Crime
Dai’John Ross and J’Mauri Taylor dies in shooting on Canaan Drive in Columbus
A second teenager has died as a result of the Wednesday shooting on Canaan Drive, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.
Dai’John Ross, 18, succumbed to his injuries on Friday evening and was pronounced dead at 8:19 p.m. at a local hospital.
Ross is the second fatality linked to the incident, which occurred in the 8300 block of Canaan Drive.
The first victim, J’Mauri Taylor, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday at 1:38 a.m. from a gunshot wound.
Authorities report that the shooting was initially called in at approximately 12:35 a.m.
The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is actively investigating the case.
Further details surrounding the shooting, including potential suspects or motives, have not yet been released.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Columbus Police Department Violent Crimes Unit.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.