The Columbus community is grappling with sorrow and concern after a deadly early-morning shooting claimed the life of 25-year-old Lamar Octmous Ross on Friday. What began as a quiet start to the day in the heart of downtown quickly turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. Ross, who was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, was pronounced dead at approximately 3:30 a.m., marking yet another violent incident shaking the city’s core.
Police say the shooting unfolded near the intersection of North High Street and Lynn Alley, just steps from the Ohio Statehouse. Though the area is usually busy with government workers, business traffic, and pedestrians, the early-morning hours tend to be calmer. Still, the presence of late-night workers and early commuters means the streets are rarely empty—a factor now central to detectives seeking witnesses who may have seen or heard the gunfire that erupted in the darkness.
Investigators confirmed that Ross was struck multiple times, though what led up to the shooting remains unclear. Authorities have not revealed whether the victim was specifically targeted or if the confrontation began as a sudden dispute. For now, the motive remains a mystery, and police are withholding additional details as they work to determine the nature of the incident. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office will conduct a full examination to document Ross’s injuries and finalize the official cause of death.
Officers responded swiftly after receiving reports of gunfire, immediately rendering aid before transporting Ross to the hospital. The urgency of the moment was matched by the rapid police response that followed. Authorities shut down several blocks of North High Street—from Broad Street to Gay Street—to preserve the crime scene. Overnight, investigators meticulously examined the area, photographing evidence, marking shell casings, and searching for clues that might offer insight into the shooter’s identity or movements.
At this stage, police have not announced any suspects, nor have they confirmed whether nearby surveillance cameras captured the shooting. Given the high number of cameras surrounding North High Street—both public and privately operated—detectives are combing through footage that could prove critical in piecing together what happened. Investigators are also interviewing potential witnesses, many of whom were in the vicinity for work or travel during the early-morning hours.
Friday’s killing has stirred renewed concern among residents and business owners, who worry about the string of violent incidents occurring in the downtown district. While police have not linked this shooting to any others, its proximity to high-profile buildings underscores the urgency of solving the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, noting that even minor details can help propel the investigation forward.
