On March 11, 2022, 18-year-old Chaz Daryl Fleming was tragically shot and killed in Columbus, Ohio. Fleming, who was African American, was found with a gunshot wound inside a car on McCutcheon Road near Merwin Hill Drive. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Another 20-year-old male in the car was injured but survived, while three other teenagers in the vehicle were unharmed.
The investigation led to the arrest of Tayeshawn Gavin, also 18 years old at
the time, who was charged with murder in connection with Fleming's death. Gavin, who was homeless at the time, initially faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault. However, as part of a plea deal, Gavin pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault, resulting in a sentence of 18 to 23½ years in prison.
In a related incident, Fleming's brother, Charles Fleming, who was also in custody on unrelated murder charges, allegedly attacked Gavin in jail with a shank, leading to additional charges of attempted murder and felonious assault against Charles Fleming. Charles Fleming's trial is pending, and he is currently awaiting trial for his alleged assault on Gavin.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the subsequent jailhouse incident. The Franklin County Prosecutor's office continues to pursue justice for Chaz Fleming and his family.
