On March 1, 2023, at approximately 2:19 a.m., Columbus police responded to a reported shooting outside the Cheers Too bar on Cleveland Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered three individuals with gunshot wounds. Two victims, identified as 41-year-olds Cornet H. Powell and Dawn E. Dunn, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim, a 48-year-old man, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but was expected to survive.
At the scene, officers apprehended 37-year-old Jonathan Pigram, who was found hiding behind a vehicle with a handgun. Notably, Pigram was wearing an ankle monitor at the time, having been released from jail on bond just a week earlier after violating probation from a prior drug possession conviction. Witnesses identified Pigram as the shooter, leading to his arrest on charges including two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault.
Following his arrest, a Franklin County grand jury indicted Pigram on 15 counts, encompassing multiple charges of murder, attempted murder, felonious assault, and illegal possession of a firearm. In October 2024, Pigram pleaded guilty to two counts of murder for the deaths of Powell and Dunn, as well as two counts of attempted murder and one count of weapons under disability. Prosecutors recommended a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 52 years. At the time of reporting, a sentencing date had not been set.
Dawn Elizabeth Dunn was remembered for her lively spirit, contagious laugh, and big heart. She attended Marysville High School and worked for TNT Cleaning, specializing in home repairs and general maintenance. She enjoyed fishing and socializing with family and friends. Dawn is survived by her fiancé, Lydia "Nikki" Ferguson, and several siblings, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service was held on March 7, 2023, to honor her memory.
