Marlazia Jones-Mattox, a 21-year-old African American woman from Columbus, OH, tragically lost her life on January 1, 2018. She was nine months pregnant at the time of her death. Marlazia and her fiancé, Keith Williams, were victims of a violent robbery gone wrong. The incident occurred at their residence on South Hague Avenue in the Hilltop neighborhood.
Three individuals, including Mario Wade, Christian Dillon, and a 15-year-old, broke into the home with the intent to rob Williams.
During the robbery, Williams shot the 15-year-old in self-defense, prompting Wade to shoot Williams nine times. As Wade and Dillon were leaving the residence, they heard Marlazia screaming as she tried to escape through a window. Dillon shot her five times in the back from close range. Marlazia was rushed to Mount Carmel West Hospital, where doctors delivered her baby boy, who suffered from cerebral palsy due to lack of oxygen.
Following the shooting, Wade and Dillon attempted to dispose of the weapons by dumping them in sewers and a creek, but police recovered all three guns and linked them to the murders. Wade was convicted of two counts of aggravated murder and sentenced to 72 years to life in prison. Dillon was also convicted and received a 78-year sentence. Additionally, Alianna Royster, who drove the perpetrators to the scene, was charged with aggravated robbery.
The tragic loss of Marlazia Jones-Mattox and Keith Williams left a lasting impact on their families and the community. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of gang violence and the importance of addressing such issues to prevent future tragedies.
