Raheem T. Dearmond, a 22-year-old African American male from Columbus, OH, tragically lost his life on June 7, 2015. Dearmond was shot and killed following an argument in a car parked at the Demorest Market on the west side of Columbus. He had hitched a ride from his cousin, Toure Benton, to pick up his 1-year-old son, Raheem Jr., from his mother's home.
Dearmond was in the passenger seat when both he and Benton were shot by two men in the back seat of the car.
The investigation led to the arrest and indictment of Joviyon S. Turner, age 19, who was charged with murder. Turner pleaded guilty to one count of murder with a firearm specification and was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison. Another man, who was involved in the shooting, was also identified but not immediately named by the police.
Dearmond's death was a devastating blow to his family and community. He was remembered as a caring and private individual who had a complex life. Despite his troubled past, which included a juvenile prison sentence for attempted murder of a police officer, Dearmond was known for his acts of kindness, such as giving blankets and pillows to a homeless child in his neighborhood.
The loss of Raheem Dearmond left a significant impact on his family, who recalled him as someone who cherished his loved ones and was dedicated to his son. His sister, Tiffany Dearmond, expressed how much he would be missed and how deeply his death affected everyone who knew him.
The case brought attention to the issue of gun violence and the need for community support to prevent such tragedies. The sentencing of Joviyon Turner provided some measure of justice for Dearmond's family, but the pain of losing a loved one remains profound and enduring.
