On July 20, 2021, Raye Fletcher-Roberts, a 1-year-old girl from Columbus, OH, tragically lost her life due to a shooting incident. The incident occurred at a residence on Sarin Drive on the Far North Side of Columbus. Raye's mother, Emily Fletcher, aged 35, was also shot but survived her injuries. The suspect, William Roberts, aged 28, was arrested shortly after the incident.
William Roberts, who is Raye's father, was charged with murder and held without bond.
According to police reports, Roberts shot both Emily Fletcher and Raye Fletcher-Roberts before forcing them into a vehicle and attempting to flee the scene. He was involved in a car accident while trying to escape and was subsequently arrested by Franklin County deputies. Roberts has a lengthy criminal record, including charges of felony assault, aggravated burglary, breaking and entering, robbery, drugs, and driving impaired.
The tragic incident was classified as a domestic violence case, and Roberts' criminal history revealed that he should not have had a gun. The court proceedings revealed that Roberts pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victim.
The community and law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the details surrounding the incident, and efforts are being made to ensure justice for Raye Fletcher-Roberts and her family.
