Robert D. Bass, a 22-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically lost his life on July 28, 2014, in Columbus, OH. The incident occurred at a house on Stevens Avenue in the Franklinton neighborhood. Bass was killed alongside Cherod D. Houchins, who was 21 years old. The deaths were initially believed to be drug-related.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was orchestrated by Roshawn L. Agee, a 30-year-old man who was serving a prison sentence at the time.
Agee arranged the shooting through his girlfriend, Sophia Childs, who had a dispute with a man at the house where the killings took place. Agee instructed Childs to pick up two of his friends, who then went to the house and killed Bass and Houchins.
Sophia Childs was arrested and charged with two counts each of murder and aggravated murder, as well as one count of possession of a weapon under disability. She was held in custody on a $1.5 million bail. Childs' trial was marked by multiple delays and retrials, but she was eventually convicted in May 2024. Judge Karen Held Phipps sentenced Childs to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 21 years, to be served consecutively with a six-year sentence for drug charges.
The case highlighted the devastating consequences of gang violence and the impact of drug-related disputes on innocent lives. The families of Bass and Houchins expressed their grief and frustration over the loss of their loved ones and the lengthy legal process. Despite the tragedy, they found some solace in the justice served through Childs' conviction.
The case also underscored the importance of community efforts to combat gang violence and support those affected by such crimes. The families of Bass and Houchins continue to advocate for awareness and prevention of similar incidents in the future.
