Derrich Franklin Bradford, a 27-year-old male from Columbus, OH, tragically lost his life on July 31, 2018. The incident occurred in the early morning hours at a home on the 700 block of Byron Avenue on the East Side of Columbus. Bradford was pronounced dead at OSU East Hospital shortly after 7:30 a.m., while a female victim was flown to OSU Main Hospital in critical condition.
The suspect in the case, Marquis Denzell Braxton, 30, of the South Side, was identified by Columbus police. Braxton and Bradford had previously been incarcerated together and knew each other for a long time. According to police, an argument preceded the shooting, and Braxton fled the scene before being arrested later. Braxton was described as about six feet tall, weighing 240 pounds, and was last seen leaving the scene in a tan 2001 or 2002 Oldsmobile Alero.
Braxton faced multiple charges related to the incident, including aggravated murder and aggravated burglary. However, the jury hung on all counts during his first trial in 2020. After jury selection began for a retrial, Braxton struck a plea deal with Franklin County prosecutors to avoid another trial. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, attempted murder, and having a weapon while under disability . As part of the plea deal, Braxton was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
The case highlighted the challenges of retrials in murder cases, especially when evidentiary issues arise due to the age of the case and the relationship between the individuals involved. Franklin County First Assistant Prosecutor Janet Grubb noted that some law enforcement witnesses had retired, and some civilian witnesses had recall issues. Despite these challenges, the plea deal was considered an acceptable resolution by the victims' families.
In summary, Derrich Franklin Bradford, a 27-year-old male, was fatally shot on July 31, 2018, in Columbus, OH, following an argument with Marquis Denzell Braxton, who was later sentenced to 18 years in prison after striking a plea deal.
