Anna M. Ferriman, a 62-year-old woman from Columbus, OH, tragically passed away on March 16, 2015. She was born on March 5, 1953, and was the daughter of the late Bertha E. Ferriman. Anna was a nurse's aide at Mount Carmel East hospital and was known for her dedication to her work and her love for her two shelter cats.
On the day of her death, Anna left her job shortly after midnight and stopped at a bank and grocery store before returning home.
It was there that she encountered Jeremay M. Jones, a 24-year-old man who had been burglarizing her condo. Jones forced Anna inside at gunpoint, pushed her onto the couch, and shot her in the face. After committing the murder, Jones set the condo on fire in an attempt to cover up the crime.
Firefighters discovered Anna's body seven hours later as they were clearing the residence. The fire was ruled as arson, and an autopsy confirmed that Anna had died from the gunshot wound before the fire started. Jones was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated arson, and tampering with evidence.
In December 2017, Jones was convicted on all charges and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years. The judge noted that Jones had ample opportunity to admit his guilt but chose to lie during the trial. Despite the tragic circumstances, Anna's friend Brenda Ferguson spoke at the sentencing, highlighting Anna's kind nature and the loss of her beloved cats in the fire.
The case drew significant attention, and a $5,000 reward was offered for tips leading to an arrest. The investigation revealed that Jones had been involved in criminal activities earlier that night, including breaking into cars near Anna's apartment complex. The bullet found in Anna matched the gun Jones was carrying when he was caught by the police.
Anna M. Ferriman's death was a heartbreaking event that shook the Columbus community. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in our neighborhoods.
