William David Keen, a 49-year-old handyman from Columbus, OH, was tragically shot to death on July 14, 2014, in Prairie Township. The incident occurred in the 100 block of Oxley Road near Palmetto Street. Keen was shot three times in the back by Jafet A. Medrano, a 17-year-old who was attempting to rob him. Medrano was driving a car with Bryan N. Mathews, an 18-year-old, who served as the getaway driver.
Medrano approached Keen under the pretense of asking for a light, but when Keen
attempted to flee, Medrano shot him. Mathews then drove Medrano away from the scene and disposed of the gun used in the shooting. Both Mathews and Medrano were later arrested and charged with various offenses related to the crime.
Medrano pleaded guilty to one count of murder and was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years. Mathews pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence, and was sentenced to 19 years in prison. The case was transferred to adult court for Medrano, and both defendants faced significant legal consequences for their roles in the crime.
The tragic death of William David Keen highlights the severe consequences of criminal actions and the impact they have on victims and their families. The legal proceedings that followed ensured that those responsible for Keen's death were held accountable for their actions.
