Brian Woodson, age 42, was killed on the night of October 31, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred at the Commons at Waters Edge apartment complex, located on Refugee Road on the southeast side of the city. Police were called to the scene at approximately 10:32 p.m., where they found Woodson suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward, at around 10:42 p.m.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing two suspects, described as young black males in their late teens or early twenties, fleeing the area following the altercation.
The investigation revealed that Woodson had been involved in a violent confrontation before being shot. During the assault, he was beaten by his attackers—one used a bottle to strike him while the other attempted to go through his pockets. Witnesses reported hearing Woodson cry out for help, repeatedly stating that he had nothing of value on him. Despite his pleas, one of the attackers returned multiple times, ultimately firing shots into Woodson's head, ending his life.
Two individuals, identified as Devon Rashad Kyles and Ray Charles Davis, Jr., were charged in connection with Woodson's death. Davis was apprehended by Columbus SWAT officers, while Kyles remained at large and was considered armed and dangerous. Both faced multiple charges, including aggravated murder and robbery. The brutal nature of the homicide shocked the community, as Woodson's cries for help and the aggressive actions of the suspects left an indelible impact on witnesses and neighbors at the apartment complex. The Columbus Police Homicide Unit continues to encourage anyone with information related to this crime to come forward, as the case remains an important piece of the broader effort to address violence in the city.
