In the evening hours of Saturday, April 18, 2026, a suspected robbery in downtown Columbus turned fatal, claiming the life of 22-year-old Damon Thompson. The incident unfolded around 6:50 p.m. in the 300 block of South Grant Avenue. When Columbus police arrived at the scene, they discovered Thompson suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to Grant Medical Center, but tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
A second man, who was with Thompson, was
also found nearby with injuries and was taken to the hospital. He was reported to be in stable condition and was expected to survive. Thompson's family shared that he was visiting relatives at the time of the shooting and that the second victim was his cousin. His sister described him as a "very fun and outgoing" and loving young man who would "give the clothes off his back, especially for the people that he loved."
Authorities at the scene indicated that they believed the shooting was connected to a robbery. Responding officers detained a possible suspect for questioning. However, it has not been publicly confirmed whether an arrest has been made or if any charges have been filed in connection with the homicide.
The family of Damon Thompson expressed their devastation and shock, as well as their disappointment with the police response to the incident. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Columbus Division of Police's Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
