A Columbus man has been arrested and is facing charges in connection with a double homicide that occurred in June near Deshler Park. Reginald M. Purnell, 31, was taken into custody and charged with the murder of his father, Reginald P. Purnell, 48, and another man, Darrell Walker, 45. According to The Columbus Dispatch, court records indicate both victims were found shot inside a home on the 1200 block of Seymour Avenue on the morning of June 25.
Columbus police investigations revealed that cell phone data and videos seemed to directly implicate the younger Purnell in the crime. Court records also mentioned that Purnell and his father had intended to commit a robbery at the residence quickly. A Franklin County Municipal Court has issued Purnell a $1 million bond, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 18 for a preliminary hearing, as reported by NBC4i.
Police were initially called to the Seymour Avenue home after a woman went there to check on one of the victims. Upon discovering the grim scene, she contacted authorities. The subsequent investigation also uncovered a broken back window at the home, suggesting the point of entry for the assailants. According to AllSides, medics declared both men dead within minutes of their arrival.
The case took a significant turn when personal items believed to belong to Reginald M. Purnell were found at the scene, further connecting him to the fatal incident. "cell phone data, video and text messages confirmed the Purnells went to the home and that at approximately 10:45 a.m., Darrell Walker, 45, along with Reginald P. Purnell, 48, were shot and killed," as stated in an article by NBC4i. The Franklin County jail holds Reginald M. Purnell as he awaits the court proceedings.
