Ja'Kharia Zaire Morgan, a 20-year-old African American woman from Columbus, OH, tragically lost her life on November 14, 2018. She was killed during a shootout that occurred three days after her 20th birthday. Morgan was riding in a car when the driver stopped on Myrtle Avenue near Perdue Avenue early in the morning. The driver got out of the car and had an altercation with someone outside, leading to gunfire. Morgan, who stayed in the car, was hit by a bullet while trying to duck to avoid the bullets. She was pronounced dead at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the incident. Major Steven Tucker stated that the person driving the car was not believed to be the shooter. The relationship between the driver and Morgan was unclear. Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made, and interviews are still being conducted to gather more information.
The loss of Ja'Kharia Morgan has deeply affected her family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Yolanda Bush; father, Dan Johnson; step-father, Robert Bush; sisters, Ja'Quinta Morgan, Ja'Meisha Morgan, Ja'Kayla Morgan; brother, Ja'Hiem Morgan; step-sisters, Rayannaua Reed, Shamell Robinson, Briannaia Bush, Miracal Hunter; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Her funeral was held on November 27, 2018, at Evans Funeral Home in Columbus, OH.
The investigation into Ja'Kharia Morgan's death remains open, and authorities continue to seek justice for her untimely passing.
