Chase Joseph Meola, a 23-year-old male student at Ohio State University, tragically lost his life on October 11, 2020. Meola, who was of Caucasian ethnicity, was fatally shot at an off-campus fraternity party hosted by the then-suspended fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. The incident occurred in the parking lot outside the fraternity house on East 14th Avenue.
The suspect in the case, Kinte Mitchell Jr., was arrested the night of the shooting.
Mitchell, who was 18 years old at the time, had a criminal record that included an indictment for robbery. He was out on bond for three separate felonies, including burglary, when the shooting took place. Initially, Mitchell pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. However, he later accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter with a three-year firearm specification, a first-degree felony. As part of the plea deal, Mitchell was sentenced to at least 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20.5 years.
Following Meola's death, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ohio State University and Phi Kappa Psi, claiming that the university and fraternity created "dangerous conditions" that led to the shooting. The lawsuit alleged that despite the fraternity's suspension, it continued to hold parties and serve alcohol. However, the case was dismissed.
In memory of Chase Meola, Ohio State University awarded him a posthumous degree, and a memorial was constructed in the quad near the Fisher College of Business in 2021. The tragic incident also led to a push for a safer campus, with students and parents advocating for increased safety measures such as additional lighting and security cameras.
The loss of Chase Meola has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the Ohio State University community. His vivacious spirit and dedication to his studies and loved ones are remembered fondly by those who knew him.
