James Paul Palmer III, a 21-year-old man from Pickerington, Ohio, was found shot to death inside his vehicle on January 2, 2022. He was discovered in the driver's seat of a 2014 white Chevrolet Impala on Hill Road near Meadows Boulevard. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The incident was quickly classified as a homicide, and the Pickerington Police Department launched an investigation.
In the course of their investigation, police identified Avonte Marquies Terrell
Sanford, a 21-year-old man from Columbus, as a suspect. Sanford was indicted on multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, aggravated robbery, and having weapons while under disability. He was already in custody for a separate incident when he was linked to Palmer's murder. Sanford is currently being held at Franklin County Jail awaiting trial.
The case drew significant attention, and the Pickerington Police Department asked for the public's help in gathering evidence. They requested any residents with doorbell cameras or security footage from the area to come forward with information. Additionally, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers offered a reward for information leading to the resolution of the case.
Despite these efforts, the investigation remains ongoing, and the community continues to seek justice for James Paul Palmer III. His death has left a lasting impact on his family and friends, who have raised funds for his funeral and continue to call for answers.
