On the evening of September 25, 2024, Larry D. Yantis III, a 33-year-old White man, was shot and killed in southeast Columbus, Ohio. Officers responding to the 1400 block of Burstock Road found Mr. Yantis in the street with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim was discovered in critical condition and transported to Grant Medical Center for treatment. A neighbor, Denise Walker, described the chaos of the shooting as sounding "Like a bomb that went off 20 times."
Witnesses told police they saw four suspects, all dressed in black, fleeing the scene on foot.
Known to friends and family as "LD," Mr. Yantis was born on May 24, 1991. He attended Westland High School and worked as a construction roofer and a member of the Smart Union Hall. He was a father to four children: Larry IV, Wyatt, Jenna-Kay, and Brixtyn. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Yantis Jr., and his sister, Jessica Yantis. He is survived by his mother, Patricia L. Yantis, and his siblings Christina Crum, Trisha Yantis, James Yantis, Aaron Yantis, and Brendan Yantis.
A funeral service for Mr. Yantis was held on October 10, 2024, at Jerry Spears Funeral Home, followed by his burial at Obetz Cemetery. His family requested donations to help cover the unexpected funeral expenses.
The police investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Deaire Summerall, who was charged with murder and felonious assault in connection with the shooting. On July 17, 2025, authorities arrested a second suspect, 19-year-old Montana Smallwood, in connection with the murder. As of that month, Deaire Summerall's trial was scheduled for September, and criminal proceedings remained pending.
