On May 4, 2025, at approximately 3:58 AM, Columbus police responded to reports of a shooting on the city's North Side. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Ariyaun Burton, a 17-year-old Black male, and another male suffering from gunshot wounds inside a Toyota Rav4 SUV parked at a Sheetz convenience store on East Dublin-Granville Road. The victims had fled the initial shooting location on East Lincoln Avenue near Roche Drive and Roche Place before stopping at the Sheetz parking lot to
await emergency responders.
Emergency medical personnel transported both victims to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, where Ariyaun Burton, a 17-year-old Black male, was pronounced dead at 4:38 AM. The second victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reported to be in stable condition and expected to survive his injuries. Authorities placed at least 17 evidence markers around shell casings found at the original crime scene, indicating the severity of the incident. The rear window of the Toyota SUV appeared to have been shot out, further emphasizing the violent nature of the attack.
Despite ongoing investigations, police have not released any information regarding suspects or arrests in connection with the shooting. The circumstances leading up to the incident remain unclear, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The Columbus Police Homicide Unit has assigned Detective Miller as the lead investigator, with assistance from Detective Weiner. Community members with knowledge of the case are encouraged to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers to aid in the investigation.
