Jakob David Hall-Singletary, a 19-year-old White male from Columbus, Ohio, tragically lost his life on March 6, 2025, in a shooting incident at the Quality Inn & Suites located on Frusta Drive in Obetz, a suburb of Columbus. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, and Jakob was pronounced dead at 12:39 a.m.
According to police reports, Jakob was sharing a hotel room with 21-year-old Jayden Spander-Junious, a Black male.
Investigators allege that Spander-Junious was "playing with a loaded firearm" when it accidentally discharged, striking Jakob in the head. Spander-Junious was arrested at the scene and charged with reckless homicide, a third-degree felony. He was arraigned in Franklin County Municipal Court on March 7, 2025, and released on bond after approximately 36 hours in custody.
Jakob was remembered by family and friends as a joyful and resilient individual who brought laughter and kindness to those around him. He had a passion for cars and aspired to become a mechanic, with hopes of working at Caliber Collision. His obituary highlights his strength, resilience, and unwavering kindness, noting that he had a gift for making people smile and laugh.
The Obetz Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident, with assistance from the Ohio Attorney General’s Criminal Investigations Bureau. Jakob's death marks the first homicide investigation in Obetz in over a decade, a town that has been largely insulated from major violent crimes.
A viewing for Jakob was held on March 19, 2025, at Families First Cremation and Funeral at Edwards in Columbus, followed by a memorial service. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Tabitha and Eric Staten; his father, Toby Hall; his sisters, Hailey Hall and Victoria Singletary; his brother, Kyle Ferguson; and extended family members who cherished him deeply.
