Crime
Columbus Police Identify Two Victims in Fatal Apartment Complex Shooting
Columbus, OH – The Columbus Division of Police has identified the two men who were fatally shot at a southeast Columbus apartment complex on Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities responded to a report of gunfire shortly after 4:35 p.m. in the 4100 block of Blakewell Lane East.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds inside the apartment.
According to a public safety dispatcher, a woman arrived at the residence and found both men unresponsive.
Emergency personnel pronounced one victim deceased at 4:41 p.m., while the second individual was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition.
Despite life-saving efforts, the second victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 5:04 p.m.
The victims have been identified as 42-year-old Antwan Lewis and 31-year-old Harol Forrest III.
At this time, authorities have not released any suspect information, and it remains unclear what led to the shooting.
The Columbus Police Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or provide anonymous tips through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
This is a developing investigation, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.