Crime
Autumn Ward Killed in Domestic Violence-Related Shooting in University District, Suspect Gage Smith in Custody
A tragic incident unfolded in Columbus’ University District early Tuesday morning, leaving a 32-year-old woman dead and a suspect in police custody.
The Columbus Division of Police is investigating the case as a domestic violence-related homicide.
Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Chittenden Avenue just before 7 a.m. to respond to reports of a disturbance.
Upon arrival, they encountered 28-year-old Gage Smith, who appeared to be in “emotional distress.”
Inside an apartment at the scene, officers discovered Autumn Ward, 32, unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel pronounced her deceased at 7:49 a.m.
Early findings suggest that domestic violence may have been the motive behind the fatal shooting. According to an affidavit filed in Franklin County Municipal Court, Smith himself contacted law enforcement and admitted responsibility for his girlfriend’s death when officers arrived.
Smith was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
Detectives from the Columbus Police Homicide Unit are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
If you have information that could assist in this investigation, please contact:
- Det. Camp-Donovan: 614-645-2557
- Homicide Unit: 614-645-4730
- Central Ohio Crime Stoppers: 614-461-8477 (TIPS)
This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, help is available:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7)
- LSS CHOICES Domestic Violence Hotline: 614-224-4663 (available 24/7)
These resources offer confidential support, crisis intervention, and assistance in finding safe solutions.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred at the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino, leaving one man dead and another injured. Prince George’s County Police confirmed the fatality in a statement released on social media.
According to investigators, two adult men were struck by gunfire during the incident.
One victim was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.
The second victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury after a bullet grazed him and was treated at the scene or a nearby medical facility.
Police stated that the suspect fled the location immediately after the shooting and remains at large.
At this time, officials have not released information regarding what led up to the incident. However, investigators emphasized that preliminary findings suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims or provided a suspect description.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Prince George’s County Police as the search for the shooter continues.