Domenique Shane Draughn, a 32-year-old African American male from Columbus, OH, tragically lost his life on September 7, 2017. He was fatally shot following an argument outside a barbecue stand operated by Connie Genous, 68, at the front of a Sunoco gas station on Lockbourne Road and East Markison Avenue. The altercation escalated when Genous pulled out a revolver and shot Draughn once in the chest.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing Draughn raising his hands to show he was unarmed before being shot.
Genous was charged with aggravated murder, three counts of brandishing a weapon, tampering with evidence, and illegal possession of a gun. He later pleaded guilty to the murder charge, and the other charges were dismissed. During the sentencing, several members of Draughn's family, including his maternal aunt Stephanie Starks, gave emotional statements about the impact of his loss on his four children. Genous received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
The case highlighted the violent history of Genous, who had previous domestic-violence convictions in 2001 and 2004. Despite his tumultuous history with Draughn, Genous apologized to the family and expressed a desire to help them move forward. Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Serrott acknowledged Genous' violent past before delivering the sentence.
Draughn's death was the 92nd homicide in Columbus for the year 2017. His family and friends continue to remember him and honor his memory.
