COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two teens have been arrested and charged in connection with the May 12 shooting death of 19-year-old Richard D. Murphy, police said Thursday.
According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded around 5:27 p.m. to a reported shooting in the first block of South Princeton Avenue. Upon arrival, they located Murphy unresponsive with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead at 6:02 p.m.
The suspects, identified as 18-year-old Joseph Johnson Jr. and 14-year-old Zion Cantrell, were arrested by Columbus Police SWAT on Tuesday. Both are accused of involvement in Murphy’s homicide.
Investigators said a preliminary inquiry determined that an argument preceded the shooting. No additional information about the nature of the dispute or how the confrontation escalated has been released.
“The preliminary investigation determined that an argument was the apparent motive,” police stated in the release.
Investigation continues
Authorities have not disclosed the charges each suspect faces or whether they will be tried as adults. Details on their custody status or upcoming court appearances were not immediately available.
The homicide remains under investigation by the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit.
