Savaughn Conner, a 33-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio, was tragically shot to death on January 8, 2017. His body was discovered around 9:30 a.m. that morning near the entrance of a business park on South James Road. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene. Surveillance footage showed a vehicle stopping at the entrance at around 12:45 a.m., with one person exiting the vehicle and leaving Conner's body there.
Detectives determined that Conner was killed elsewhere and then transported to the location where his body was found.
Warriayre A. Roundtree, a 39-year-old man, was later indicted for Conner's murder. Roundtree was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, tampering with evidence, and two gun specifications. The investigation revealed that Roundtree had taken significant steps to cover his tracks, including using a prepaid "burner" cellphone, disposing of Conner's cellphone, and cleaning the truck used in the crime. However, Roundtree's conversations with a fellow inmate in jail led to his arrest and conviction. The inmate provided crucial testimony that helped corroborate the details of the crime.
The motive behind Conner's murder was linked to an alleged involvement in various schemes with Roundtree, including an attempted burglary of Roundtree's home in 2015. Although the charge was dropped due to insufficient evidence, it was believed to have played a role in the murder.
Roundtree was convicted of aggravated murder and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for 36 years. The case highlighted the importance of inmate testimony and the use of surveillance footage in solving crimes.
Conner, a father of four, was unemployed at the time of his death and was hoping to move closer to his children in Florida. His family and friends continue to seek justice and closure for his untimely death.
