On June 26, 2023, at approximately 6:05 p.m., Columbus police responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 1600 block of East 26th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered 31-year-old James Cunningham deceased at the rear of a residence, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound. A second victim, a 32-year-old man, was found critically injured and transported to Grant Medical Center; he is expected to recover.
Investigators determined that the incident stemmed from a disturbance among the involved parties. Through interviews, 31-year-old Thomas Hampton was identified as the suspect responsible for the shooting. Hampton was arrested and charged with murder and felonious assault. He was subsequently booked into the Franklin County Jail.
James Cunningham's death marked a significant loss for his family and the Columbus community. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and urge anyone with additional information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
