Alexander Joseph Lorms, an 18-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, tragically died on May 1, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. He was a student at Whetstone High School and was known for his leadership, friendly personality, and unique style. Lorms was fatally shot during a robbery at a house in the 1900 block of Republic Avenue.
Ralph E. Barrie, also 18 years old, was charged with the aggravated murder of Lorms. Barrie and his accomplice, Camden W.
Jester, planned to rob Lorms after arranging to buy marijuana from him. When they produced guns, Lorms attempted to flee, but Barrie shot him four times in the back. The pair then stole marijuana, Xanax, and a gun before fleeing the scene.
Barrie was arrested on May 29, 2017, after returning to the state, and was indicted on seven charges, including aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and assault. Jester, who was 17 at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Barrie pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and received a sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 23 years.
The case drew significant attention due to the young ages of both the victim and the perpetrators, as well as the tragic circumstances surrounding Lorms' death. The community mourned the loss of a promising young man, and his family received an outpouring of support and condolences.
