Broderick M. Harper, a 16-year-old African American male from Columbus, Ohio, tragically lost his life on May 29, 2022. He was found shot on the lawn of the Ohio Statehouse. Harper was a student at Licking Heights High School and had recently started working at McDonald's. He was known for his love of sports, particularly basketball and football, and was well-liked by his peers and family.
The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. when Harper was with a group of friends riding scooters.
Surveillance footage showed four individuals on scooters arriving at the Statehouse, with one of them shooting Harper before fleeing the scene. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Harper was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with the Columbus Division of Police and the U.S. Marshals Service, launched an investigation. On April 26, 2023, 17-year-old Travon Robinson was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Harper's death. Robinson was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. The case is set to be transferred to adult court due to the severity of the charges.
The community has been deeply affected by this tragedy, and Harper's family, friends, and schoolmates continue to mourn his loss. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for Broderick M. Harper.
