An 18-year-old man was shot and killed early Saturday in north Columbus, turning a quiet stretch of Mediterranean Avenue into an active crime scene in the middle of the night. Officers arrived to find the victim with at least one gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead where he fell.
According to WSYX/ABC6, police responded around 1:27 a.m. to reports of gunfire in the 1100 block of Mediterranean Avenue. Columbus Fire Department Ladder 24 pronounced 18-year-old Nathaniel Joseph Kerby dead at 1:37 a.m. Investigators say they are still working to piece together what led up to the shooting and have not identified a motive.
Authorities are keeping a tight lid on suspect information as the investigation continues, and detectives are combing the area for witnesses and any available surveillance video. Next of kin have been notified, but police are not yet saying who they believe may be responsible or why Kerby was targeted.
"Authorities urged anyone with information to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers," WSYX/ABC6 reported. Tips can also be directed to the Columbus Police Public Information Office at 614-645-4925 or anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
Investigators Work Leads As North Columbus Gun Violence Continues
Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood, looking for anyone who may have seen or heard something in the early morning hours. The deadly shooting lands on the heels of other violence in the area, including a Feb. 14 Brimfield Road shooting that left a victim critically injured.
Police are again asking anyone with information to come forward so they can move the case forward. The Division of Police has not released further details about a suspect or potential motive as the investigation remains active.
