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.
Crime
Victim killed in Antioch High School shooting identified as 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante
Authorities determined that a 17-year-old male suspect, identified as Solomon Henderson, entered the school’s cafeteria and opened fire with a pistol.
A tragic shooting incident occurred inside Antioch High School on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old female student and injuries to two others.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the school at approximately 11:11 a.m.
Upon arrival, authorities determined that a 17-year-old male suspect, identified as Solomon Henderson, entered the school’s cafeteria and opened fire with a pistol.
The shooting claimed the life of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante.
A male student sustained a gunshot graze wound to his arm, while another student suffered an eye injury from debris following the shooting.
Henderson subsequently turned the gun on himself, resulting in a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Law enforcement confirmed that two school resource officers (SROs) were inside the building at the time of the shooting; however, they were not in the immediate vicinity of the cafeteria. The situation had concluded by the time they arrived on the scene.
Authorities have established a reunification site for parents at 3754 Murfreesboro Pike.
Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) announced the following transportation arrangements for students:
- Beginning at 2:15 p.m., students who normally take the bus will be transported home via their regular routes.
- Students who drove to school will be escorted back to Antioch High to retrieve their vehicles once the parking lot is cleared by law enforcement.
- Students who typically walk to school will be provided transportation home if their parents do not pick them up.
- Car riders can be picked up at the designated reunification site.
Traffic congestion in the surrounding area remains an issue, with Hobson Pike closed near the Wilson County line and portions of Murfreesboro Pike closed near the school. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has deployed HELP trucks to assist with traffic management.
In response to the tragedy, a community healing gathering has been scheduled at 6:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Church United Family Fellowship, located at 3105 Hamilton Church Road.
MNPS officials expressed their deep sorrow over the shooting, stating:
“Our hearts are broken for the families affected by this senseless act of violence. Today, we mourn the loss of a promising young life and hold in our hearts all those impacted by this tragedy.”
House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons addressed the broader implications of the shooting, emphasizing the need for stronger preventative measures to curb gun violence in schools.
“For my colleagues who believe inaction is acceptable, I urge you to put yourself in the shoes of the parents whose child will not be coming home today,” Clemmons stated. “We must do everything in our power to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.”
MNPD has confirmed that this remains an active crime scene, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Metro Nashville Police Department as they work to piece together the events leading up to this devastating incident.