A 67-year-old woman was found dead Friday afternoon on Columbus’ east side after relatives asked police to check on her, authorities said. The victim, identified as Randelle Bowman, was discovered in the basement with severe injuries and pronounced dead at the scene. A 31-year-old man was detained nearby and has been charged in connection with her killing.
Grim Scene on Faber Avenue and Swift Arrest
According to ABC6, officers were called to a home on Faber Avenue for a wellness check requested by family members and found “obvious trauma” to Bowman’s body. Detectives said Bowman was discovered rolled up in a rug with her throat cut and that there were copious "amounts of blood” throughout the house. Police identified 31‑year‑old David K. Holmes as a suspect, detained him near the scene, and charged him with murder, and detectives are investigating the death as possibly related to domestic violence.
Why the Case Is Drawing Extra Scrutiny
The killing comes at a time of heightened attention to domestic-violence cases and wellness checks in Columbus, following other high-profile homicides that have put those procedures under the microscope. National reporting on the December Weinland Park double homicide showed how routine welfare calls can uncover targeted violence, according to AP. Advocates say incidents like these have raised questions about whether social services and law enforcement have the resources and coordination needed to protect vulnerable residents.
Family Accounts and Timeline Before the Killing
Family members told investigators they requested the welfare check and reported that Holmes had been at the house the day before, “acting extremely nervous” when they returned a vehicle to the residence, ABC6 reported. A home-health worker told police they heard Holmes threaten Bowman on July 9, and witnesses said they saw him walking away from the back of the house shortly before officers arrived. Detectives said they found cleaning supplies in the room where Holmes had been staying, some nearly empty, and forensic teams are processing the scene for evidence.
Charges and What Comes Next
Columbus homicide detectives have charged Holmes with murder and have listed domestic violence as a possible motive in the case. The charges will proceed through Franklin County’s court system while investigators continue gathering physical evidence and conducting additional witness interviews.
How the Public Can Help Investigators
Police are asking anyone with information, video, or other potential evidence to contact the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit. The department’s victim services pages list the homicide tip line, according to the City of Columbus. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers or by calling 614‑461‑8477. Authorities say the investigation remains active and that more information will be released as it becomes available.
