Tyquan Keeshawn Hawkins-Scruggs, a 20-year-old African American male from Columbus, OH, tragically lost his life on April 27, 2017. He was inside a South Side duplex when gunshots were fired, and despite being mortally wounded, he was carried outside and left near the sidewalk on East Barthman Avenue. Unfortunately, none of the other people present at the scene witnessed the shooting, and they did not cooperate with the police investigation.
The investigation led to the arrest of Devin
M. Tirey, a 19-year-old homeless man, who was charged with murder. Tirey later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a gun specification in the death of Hawkins-Scruggs. He claimed that Hawkins-Scruggs had tried to rob him of drugs and money, and in the ensuing struggle, Tirey grabbed a gun from Hawkins-Scruggs and fired back while fleeing the residence. Tirey was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting and an unrelated robbery.
The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement when witnesses refuse to cooperate, making it difficult to gather evidence and build a strong case. Despite the lack of cooperation from the witnesses, the prosecution was able to secure a conviction based on Tirey's confession and other evidence.
Hawkins-Scruggs' death was the 42nd homicide in Columbus that year, underscoring the city's struggle with violent crime. His family and friends continue to remember him fondly, and his memory lives on through the love and support of those who knew him.
