Ayanta Arian Jarmon, affectionately known as "AJ," was an 18-year-old African American woman from Canal Winchester, OH. She tragically passed away on July 30, 2022, at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, OH, after being shot at a house party on Fairwood Avenue the previous night. The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. on July 29, 2022, when a shooter opened fire into a crowd of people attending the party.
Ayanta was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Columbus police detained several individuals for questioning but did not immediately announce any charges. The investigation continued, and nearly a year later, on May 11, 2023, 19-year-old Tyshawn Jenkins was indicted on charges of murder, felonious assault, and weapons under disability in connection with Ayanta's death. Jenkins was already in custody on unrelated charges at the time of his indictment.
The case drew significant attention as it was the 80th homicide in Columbus in 2022. Investigators urged anyone with information or photos/videos from the party to come forward to assist with the investigation. Tyshawn Jenkins is scheduled to have an arraignment in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, where he will face the charges related to Ayanta's death.
Ayanta Jarmon was a well-rounded student who graduated from Reynoldsburg High School's Livingston Campus with a 3.0 GPA. She was passionate about healthcare and had plans to major in Allied Health and Sciences and Physical Therapy at the University of Cincinnati. Ayanta was also an active member of multiple cheerleading teams and brought a contagious energy and infectious personality to everything she did.
Her untimely death has left a significant impact on her family, friends, and community, who remember her for her vibrant spirit and love for life. The investigation into her murder continues, and the community hopes for justice for Ayanta and her loved ones.
