Heidi Duda, a 48-year-old woman from Columbus, OH, tragically passed away on March 26, 2022. She was involved in a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of that day on Country Club Road. According to police reports, Heidi was inside a van with 53-year-old Rodney Vanatta when she was shot. Vanatta, who was with her at the time, called 911 and claimed that an unknown male, described as wearing a tan hoodie and driving a gray or maroon car, had shot Heidi.
Heidi was taken to
Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries three days later. Initially, Vanatta was charged with felonious assault, but after Heidi's death, the charges were upgraded to two counts of murder. During the investigation, Vanatta maintained his innocence, claiming that he was not the shooter and that someone else had committed the crime.
The case went to trial, and in July 2023, Rodney Vanatta was found not guilty on all charges. The jury agreed with Vanatta's defense that he was not the shooter and that there was another suspect involved. Despite the acquittal, the case remains unsolved, and Columbus police, along with Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, continue to search for leads. A cash reward is being offered for any information that could lead to the arrest and indictment of the person responsible for Heidi's death.
Heidi Duda was remembered fondly by her family and friends. She was a passionate bartender, motorcycle enthusiast, and traveler who loved meeting new people. She is survived by her mother, Ann Duda, her father and stepmother, Ron and Lela Duda, and her two sons, Wyatt Lee and Cody. Her death has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
The investigation into Heidi Duda's death continues, and authorities are hopeful that new information will come to light to bring justice for her and her family.
