On August 21, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m., 27-year-old ReMarcus Darrell Smith Heagler was found in the driver's seat of a vehicle with gunshot wounds in the 5100 block of Cedar Drive in southeast Columbus, Ohio. He was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries on August 23.
Investigations revealed that Heagler had arranged a meeting at the location for a drug transaction. During the encounter, 22-year-old Dewarin Powell and 29-year-old Shavez Hargrave allegedly attempted to rob Heagler, leading to the shooting as he attempted to flee.
On October 10, 2024, Columbus SWAT officers arrested Powell, charging him with murder. Subsequently, on October 15, Hargrave was also apprehended and charged with murder. Both suspects are currently held at the Franklin County Jail.
Born on October 14, 1996, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Heagler, affectionately known as "Markey," was remembered for his vibrant personality and dedication to family. A Life Celebration was held on September 27, 2024, at Smoot Funeral Services in Columbus, providing an opportunity for loved ones to honor his memory.
The arrests of Powell and Hargrave mark significant progress in the case, bringing a measure of closure to Heagler's family and the community. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward to ensure justice is fully served.
