On August 17, 2021, Jermale L. Payton, a 35-year-old Black male, was tragically shot and killed in Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. at the Southpark Apartments in South Franklinton. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Payton lying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts by the officers and paramedics, Payton was pronounced dead at Grant Medical Center at 1:51 a.m.
The investigation into Payton's death revealed that shots
were fired at multiple locations, including where Payton was found and a block away on Canonby Place. Homicide investigators were unable to provide details on what led up to the shooting and have not identified any suspects. Detectives were reviewing surveillance video from the complex in hopes of gathering more information.
Neighbors described Payton as a well-known and kind individual in the neighborhood. He had been previously shot in the same complex four years earlier when he got caught in the crossfire of an argument. However, it was not immediately clear whether any arrests were made in connection with the 2017 incident.
As of now, the case remains unsolved, and law enforcement continues to seek any additional information or tips that could help bring justice to Payton's family. The Columbus Police Department and the Ohio Attorney General's Office are actively involved in the investigation.
