The Columbus Division of Police has released a new episode in its Unsolved Cases series, turning the spotlight on the killing of Norman "Dwayne" Peterson in South Columbus and asking the public to take another hard look at the case.
The short video, posted Thursday, weaves interviews with Peterson’s mother, Cynthia Peterson, and his daughters Samya and Arianna together with on-camera narration from homicide detectives. Police say the episode is aimed at reviving public attention on the open case and sparking new tips that could finally move the investigation forward.
What the Episode Shows
In the reel, detectives walk viewers through what they say is currently known about Peterson’s death, laying out the timeline and key details of the case. The episode includes photos and case materials meant to jog memories and stir up leads that may have been buried by time.
The video closes on two notes. First, a QR code appears on screen, which viewers can scan to submit anonymous tips. Then the reel ends with an emotional appeal from Peterson’s family, urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. This description is adapted from the Columbus Division of Police Facebook reel announcing the episode.
How to Pass Along a Tip
Officials say anonymous tips can be submitted through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614‑461‑8477 or by using the resources listed by the city's Homicide Case Review Unit. Rewards may be available for information that leads to a conviction.
Per prior local coverage, Detective Jason Brammer has been listed as a contact for detectives handling open homicide cases and has been reachable at [email protected] in earlier Columbus Division of Police public appeals.
Why the Series Matters
The Unsolved Cases video project first rolled out in 2023 as a way to push both cold and open homicide investigations to a wider audience. According to local reporting, when the series launched, the department’s goal was to use video to surface new leads and give families another public platform for their appeals. The Division has said community tips have helped in other cases.
Police and Peterson’s family are again asking the public to pay attention. Anyone with information about Norman "Dwayne" Peterson’s death is encouraged to scan the QR code at the end of the video, call Crime Stoppers, or contact the homicide unit so detectives can follow up. They stress that even small details could help move the case forward.
