On May 12, 2025, at approximately 3:21 p.m., officers from the Columbus Division of Police were dispatched to a residence on the 400 block of South Hampton Road in Columbus, Ohio, following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Columbus Fire Engine #21 responded to the scene and pronounced both victims deceased at 3:32 p.m.
The victims were identified as Renita Hilson-Ziegler, a 58-year-old Black woman, and Anthony Martin, a 64-year-old Black man. Authorities determined that Martin had fatally shot Hilson-Ziegler before turning the gun on himself in what was ruled a murder-suicide. A firearm was recovered near one of the bodies at the scene. The circumstances leading up to the tragic event remain unclear, and investigators have not disclosed any details regarding the relationship between Hilson-Ziegler and Martin.
A family member reportedly contacted the police after attempting to check on Hilson-Ziegler and Martin, as they had not been heard from for some time. The Columbus Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the incident, and anyone with relevant information has been urged to contact authorities.
