Caleb Jordan Killen, a 22-year-old male of mixed ethnicity, tragically lost his life on January 23, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. He was found unresponsive inside a vehicle parked at the Wedgewood Village apartment complex on the 3700 block of Eakin Road. The incident occurred around 9:31 p.m. when Caleb and his friend, 22-year-old Jawuan Reynolds, were discovered inside the car.
The fire that was allegedly attempted to be set inside the gas tank of the vehicle did not ignite, and the suspect had fled the scene before police arrived.
The investigation into Caleb's death was part of a larger homicide cold case unit archive for January 2017. The Columbus Police Department worked diligently to solve the case, but it remained unsolved for several years. In July 2024, more than seven years after the incident, Paul A. Smith, a 24-year-old male, was charged with two counts of murder in connection with Caleb and Jawuan's deaths. Court records indicated that Smith was tied to the crime scene through physical evidence, and he was identified as one of the assailants. Smith is currently being held in the Franklin County jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims and their families, even years after the crime has been committed. Caleb's family and friends continue to seek closure and justice for his untimely death.
