The Columbus Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting that occurred on New Year's Day in east Columbus. The victim, later identified as 23-year-old Dalyn Sheppard, was found with multiple gunshot wounds on the 3600 block of Kirkwood Road. Emergency responders transported Sheppard to the hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m. yesterday, ABC6 reported.
Authorities detained a man at the scene for questioning. As of now, it's unclear what relationship, if any, he had to the incident. Columbus police have not clarified whether this individual is a suspect or a witness. Although one person was detained, the Columbus police did not indicate whether an arrest was made. They have not revealed what might have prompted the shooting, a detail that remains under investigation, as noted by The Columbus Dispatch.
According to the CPD, the male suspect detained at the scene also called 911 to self-report the shooting. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the case, as it suggests a direct connection between the suspect and the event. Evidence is actively being reviewed to piece together the circumstances that led to Sheppard’s death. The incident has marked the city's first homicide of the new year, a grim start to 2025.
The Columbus Police Department is appealing to the public for assistance in gathering additional information that may shed light on this fatal event. Tips can be directed to the CPD Homicide Unit by calling (614) 645-4730. To provide information anonymously, the public can contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS, NBC4i included in their coverage.
