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.
Authorities have identified the man shot and killed Friday afternoon in a parking lot outside a Little Caesars restaurant in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
The victim has been named as Stevens Jeffrey, 29, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The shooting occurred in the 2600 block of West Cermak Road near Rockwell Street at approximately 1:10 p.m., according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
Preliminary reports indicate that Jeffrey was sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown vehicle.
An armed individual exited that vehicle and opened fire, striking Jeffrey multiple times in the face and body.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene, where Jeffrey was pronounced dead. He was discovered inside his vehicle with his two young children, ages 4 and 6, who were unharmed.
Both children were transported to Stroger Hospital for precautionary evaluation.
The shooting took place in the parking lot of a Little Caesars restaurant, where investigators recovered multiple shell casings and placed numerous evidence markers on the ground.
As of Friday evening, no suspects are in custody, and detectives from the CPD Area Four Homicide Unit are leading the investigation. Police have not released information on a possible motive.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this homicide to contact Chicago Police or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTip.com.