Ricky Armon Darthard Jr., a 16-year-old African American male from Columbus, OH, tragically lost his life on August 18, 2017. Ricky was a loving and talented teenager who was well-loved by his family and friends. His death was a result of a fatal shooting, and his body was discovered behind a vacant house in the 900 block of East 15th Avenue on August 19, 2017.
The investigation into Ricky's death led to the arrest of Demarius M.
Rudasill, a 23-year-old man from the South Side of Columbus. Rudasill was charged with murder, aggravated robbery, and a gun specification in connection with Ricky's death. According to police testimony, Rudasill confessed to his involvement during an interview conducted one month after the shooting. He was driving around with Ricky, another juvenile, and two adults on the night of August 18, 2017. Late that night, Rudasill and the other adults decided to rob Ricky of his handgun. Ricky's body was found the next day with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head.
In September 2017, Columbus police also charged Shaiquon M. Sharpe, a 22-year-old man from Reynoldsburg, in connection with Ricky's death. However, Sharpe has not been indicted in the case, and no one other than Rudasill has been charged.
Rudasill was convicted by a Franklin County jury of murder, aggravated robbery, and a gun specification. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 22 years. The jury acquitted him of the more serious charge of aggravated murder, which carries the possibility of life without parole.
The tragic death of Ricky Darthard has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the community. His memory continues to be honored and remembered by those who knew and loved him.
