The Columbus community is in mourning after a fatal shooting claimed the life of 25-year-old Lamar Octmous Ross early Friday morning. The shooting, which occurred near the intersection of North High Street and Lynn Alley, just steps from the Ohio Statehouse, has left residents and business owners grappling with shock and concern. Ross was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at approximately 3:30 a.m., marking another tragic chapter in the city’s ongoing struggles with violence.
Authorities say the shooting took place during the early morning hours, when the usually bustling downtown area was quieter, though not completely empty. The streets are typically populated with late-night workers and early commuters, and this was key to the investigation as detectives look for potential witnesses who may have seen or heard the gunfire.
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Investigators confirmed that Ross was struck multiple times, but the circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. It is still unknown whether the incident was a targeted attack or if it resulted from a sudden confrontation. Authorities are withholding further details while they piece together the motives behind the violence. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office is conducting a full examination to finalize the official cause of death.
The Columbus Police Department responded quickly to reports of gunfire, with officers rendering aid and transporting Ross to the hospital. In an effort to preserve the crime scene, several blocks of North High Street, from Broad Street to Gay Street, were shut down for hours as investigators combed through the area. Evidence, including shell casings, was photographed and marked, as detectives worked to identify any clues that could help track down the shooter.
At this time, no suspects have been identified, and authorities have not confirmed whether surveillance footage from nearby cameras may have captured the incident. Given the high concentration of public and private cameras in the area, investigators are reviewing footage that could provide crucial details. Police are also interviewing potential witnesses who were in the vicinity during the early hours of the morning.
Ross’s death has heightened concerns among residents and business owners, who are already worried about a series of violent incidents in the downtown district. Though this shooting has not been linked to others, its proximity to high-profile government buildings and offices has raised the urgency of solving the case. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, noting that even seemingly minor details could help advance the investigation.