Shikary Ray Allen, a 19-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically passed away on December 17, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. Allen was a recent graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, where he played varsity football. He was working at Eddie Bauer in Columbus at the time of his death. Allen was known for his love of football, basketball, and playing PlayStation 4.
He was also passionate about listening to music and spending time with his family and friends.
Allen's death was the result of a robbery and shooting incident. On December 17, 2016, Allen was in the 2700 block of East 6th Avenue in Columbus when he was approached by two men, Janei M. Brightwell and Ciree R. Matthews, who attempted to rob him. During the robbery, Allen was shot and subsequently taken to Ohio State University East Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, the Columbus Division of Police arrested Brightwell and Matthews. Both suspects were charged with aggravated murder and robbery. Brightwell, 19, and Matthews, 21, were arraigned in Franklin County Municipal Court, with preliminary hearings set for early January 2017. This case marked the 100th homicide in Columbus for the year 2016.
The tragic loss of Shikary Ray Allen deeply affected his family, friends, and the community. His loved ones remembered him as a kind-hearted and talented individual who had a bright future ahead of him. The investigation and subsequent arrests brought some measure of justice, but the pain of losing such a young life remains profound.
