Columbus police department - file photo
Columbus Police Department - File Photo

Columbus woman charged with murder after elderly man found dead in east side home

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A 55-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of an 82-year-old man discovered inside a Columbus residence earlier this month, police said.

According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers were called to the 2600 block of Caralee Place around 9:25 a.m. on January 2 after receiving a report of a deceased person. When officers arrived, they found 82-year-old James Simpson Sr. dead inside the home.

Columbus woman charged with murder after elderly man found dead in east side home
Photo: columbus woman charged with murder after elderly man found dead in east side home

Investigators said the suspect, identified as Portia Martin, was found at the scene and admitted to her involvement in Simpson’s death. Martin was taken into custody the same day and charged with murder.

Police have not released additional details about the relationship between Martin and Simpson or the circumstances leading to the homicide. The investigation remains ongoing.

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