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.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.