Masonique Saunders, a 20-year-old African American woman, was fatally shot on April 23, 2022, at Saunders Park in Columbus, Ohio. She was one of two women who were shot during a cookout at the park. The incident occurred around 8:25 p.m., when multiple people exchanged gunfire from different locations surrounding the park. Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene, while another woman, who was pregnant, was grazed by a bullet and taken to the hospital but is expected to be okay.
Family members believe that the shooting may have been in retaliation for the 2018 shooting death of Julius Tate Jr., Saunders' boyfriend at the time. Tate was shot and killed by an undercover Columbus police officer during an attempted robbery. Saunders was initially charged with murder because state law says that if a person is killed while committing a crime, their accomplice can be charged with murder. However, she pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated robbery in juvenile court.
Saunders' family has expressed frustration and grief over her death. They believe she was focused on building a better life for herself after her release and was taking classes to study business with hopes of working with children with disabilities. The family has called for justice and urged anyone with information on the shooting to come forward.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Saunders' death, and the investigation is ongoing. The Columbus Police Homicide Unit and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers are asking for any information that could help solve the case.
Saunders' death marks the 34th homicide in Columbus in 2022, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the city. Her family and friends have held vigils and called for an end to the violence, emphasizing the need for community support and action to prevent further tragedies.
