Last night's fight in downtown Columbus has turned into a homicide investigation, with one person dead and a 59-year-old Columbus resident now facing a voluntary manslaughter charge.
Columbus police were called to the 100 block of East Broad Street yesterday, on Feb. 14. Medics rushed the victim to a hospital in serious condition, but the person later died. Detectives say the fatal injuries were sustained during an altercation with the Columbus resident, who has since been criminally charged.
What Police Say
According to Columbus police, investigators determined that the victim died after an altercation with Monica S. Peaks. Peaks, identified as a 59-year-old Columbus resident, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death. Details about the call, the charge and the victim's condition were reported by NBC4i.
Court Records and Arraignment
Per Franklin County Municipal Court records, Peaks is scheduled to appear for arraignment Tuesday morning. The court's arraignment docket lists the case in its 4D report, indicating prosecutors have formally filed the voluntary manslaughter charge and that a first court appearance has been set.
Legal Context
Peaks faces a voluntary manslaughter charge, which under Ohio law is a first-degree felony. Per the Ohio Revised Code, voluntary manslaughter is classified as a felony of the first degree. Sentencing rules for a first-degree felony provide a stated minimum prison term of three to eleven years, according to Ohio sentencing statutes.
Witnesses and Tips
Investigators are asking anyone who saw the fight or recorded video of the incident to contact authorities. Anyone with information is asked to call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730, according to NBC4i.
The investigation remains active, and detectives say more information will be released as it becomes available. Prosecutors and the court are expected to move the case forward through arraignment and any subsequent hearings in the coming days.
