Cordell Jerome Tatney, a 28-year-old Black man from Columbus, Ohio, was a devoted father, partner, son, and brother. Born and raised in Columbus but with deep Louisiana roots, he was known for his love of family. His partner, Jasmine Griffin, with whom he shared two young sons, Jasiah and Jahkeem, called him "Mr. Make It Happen" for his unwavering commitment to provide for them. Cordell worked at Davey Tree Service, a job he loved and where he hoped to grow his career.
Though often quiet and reserved, his family remembers him as bold, loyal, and kind-hearted, with a fun-loving and humorous side. His nephews affectionately knew him as "Uncle Worm."
On the afternoon of September 16, 2024, Cordell was visiting a friend at an apartment on the 4200 block of Cleveland Avenue. Around 2:45 p.m., a 25-year-old man named Deontae Daniel, with whom Cordell had an ongoing dispute, arrived with another unidentified male. Witnesses reported that Daniel and his companion left the apartment for a short time before returning. Soon after they came back, gunfire erupted inside the residence. One witness saw Daniel fleeing the apartment with a firearm and heard him claim he had shot Cordell. Tragically, two children, both younger than two years old, were present during the shooting. First responders found Cordell with multiple gunshot wounds and transported him to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
Columbus police quickly identified Deontae Daniel as the primary suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest on a murder charge. After being on the run for about a week, Daniel was apprehended by law enforcement on September 24, 2024.
Deontae Daniel was charged in connection with Cordell Tatney's death. He later pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced, bringing a legal conclusion to his involvement in the case. However, the second man who accompanied Daniel to the apartment on the day of the shooting has never been publicly identified.
While the case against Daniel is closed, authorities are still seeking information about the second male suspect who was present during the incident and remains at large. Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
