On January 20, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, 33-year-old African American man Tremain Dhemain Russell lost his life following a domestic dispute that escalated into a fatal shooting. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on the 1400 block of Slade Avenue, where Columbus police responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Russell suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
He was transported to Riverside Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m.
The suspect, 30-year-old African American woman Cierra Locke-Shelby, was present at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. According to court documents, Locke-Shelby and Russell were engaged in a verbal altercation when she retrieved a handgun and waved it in his direction. She claimed the firearm had a faulty safety mechanism and discharged unintentionally, striking Russell. Locke-Shelby immediately called 911 to report the incident. A witness corroborated her account, stating that she was waving the gun during the argument when it fired.
Locke-Shelby was arrested and charged with reckless homicide. She is currently held at the Franklin County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings. The Columbus Division of Police has designated Detective Polgar as the lead investigator and is encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Tremain Dhemain Russell, affectionately known as "Trey," was born on July 15, 1991, in Detroit, Michigan. He moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated from Westerville South High School in 2010. Russell was a devoted father to his two daughters, Laila, 10, and Lyza, 4. He was known for his creativity, artistry, and love for music, often performing as a songwriter. His vibrant personality and sense of humor left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Russell was also a passionate fan of the Atlanta Falcons and the Michigan Wolverines. His funeral services were held on January 31, 2025, at New Covenant Believers' Church in Columbus.
