On April 18, 2023, 16-year-old Jeremy Allen Heglar Jr. was fatally shot during a drug transaction in Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred around 8:50 p.m. in the 2900 block of East 10th Avenue, where Heglar and a 16-year-old female companion had arranged to meet 19-year-old Antonie Moss Jr. and 18-year-old Cayon Drake for a drug deal. Moss and Drake entered the back seat of Heglar's vehicle, and during the transaction, both produced firearms and shot Heglar.
Heglar managed to return fire, killing Moss and injuring Drake, who fled the scene after firing additional rounds into the vehicle. The female passenger was unharmed.
Authorities arrived to find Moss deceased at the scene and Heglar critically wounded; Heglar was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. Drake was later apprehended and charged with two counts of murder. In April 2024, Drake pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 to 18 years in prison, with eligibility for early release after nine years.
Jeremy Heglar Jr., affectionately known as "Lil Jeremy," was remembered for his vibrant personality and entrepreneurial spirit. He attended several schools, including Columbus Arts and Technology Academy and Urban Scholars Academy, and worked at his uncle's restaurant and McDonald's. He enjoyed dancing, family vacations, video games, and sports such as football, baseball, and boxing. His untimely death was a profound loss to his family and community.
