Tragedy struck at a residence in Prairie Township, where deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office discovered the lifeless body of 72-year-old Harold Everette Moore. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office noted on social media that Mr. Moore had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The report, dated Sunday, February 8, indicated that deputies responded to the scene at approximately 10:40 p.m., with medics pronouncing Moore deceased by 11:08 p.m.
Investigative efforts quickly moved to retrieve several valuable items reportedly missing from the home, including Moore's vehicle. Detectives were successful in locating the stolen vehicle, traveling on West Broad Street in Columbus on February 9. A traffic stop led to the detention of 44-year-old Roger Daugherty, the driver at the time.
Further scrutiny by the detectives connected Daugherty directly to the crime, revealing an ill-fated burglary attempt turned into a lethal confrontation. According to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, "Detectives determined that Daugherty had gone to the victim's residence to commit a burglary and, during the course of the offense, killed the victim." Notably, they ascertained that this incident was targeted, dispelling any suggestion of randomness in the act.
Now held at the Franklin County Jail, Daugherty faces charges including Murder, Aggravated Burglary, and Tampering with Evidence. Additional charges against him may to be forthcoming as the investigation unfolds. The Sheriff's Office is openly seeking information from anyone who might contribute insights into the case, urging those with potential evidence, such as home surveillance video from around Postle Boulevard, to reach out to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau, Major Crimes Unit.
The Sheriff's Office emphasizes the importance of community involvement in such cases and provides a contact number, (614) 525-3351, for anyone wishing to share information, ensuring anonymity for those who prefer it. They hope that collective efforts will not only bring justice for Harold Everette Moore but also strengthen the communal fabric that holds Prairie Township together in the face of such adversity.
