Nazeer Winton, a 21-year-old man from Columbus, OH, was tragically shot and killed on October 31, 2021, outside his apartment on Rabbit Hill Lane in southeast Columbus. The incident occurred on Halloween night, and Winton was found lying in the street by responding officers. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Nazeer Winton was a caring father to a 1-year-old girl and a 2-month-old boy, and his family described him as a bright young man.
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investigation into Winton's death led to the arrest of Othman Abdu, a 20-year-old man from Blacklick Township, who was charged with the killing. On October 23, 2023, a Franklin County jury found Abdu guilty of two counts of murder, aggravated murder, and felonious assault in connection with Winton's death and another shooting that occurred earlier the same day. Abdu was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 39 years.
In addition to Abdu, another suspect, David R. Penton Jr., also from the Blacklick area, was involved in the case. Penton turned himself in to police on December 29, 2021, and pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter with firearm and drive-by specifications. He received an indefinite prison sentence of 15 years to 18.5 years.
The Winton family has been vocal about their grief and their quest for justice. They have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and have set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. The loss of Nazeer Winton has left a void in their lives that they say can never be filled.
The case has drawn significant attention from the local community and law enforcement, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in Columbus. The guilty verdicts and sentences handed down to Abdu and Penton serve as a reminder of the impact of such crimes on families and communities.
