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

Columbus police seek help identifying person of interest in Southfield Drive homicide

by
December 11, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest connected to the November 22 homicide of 18-year-old Raheem Dawkins, the Columbus Division of Police announced Tuesday.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 2900 block of Southfield Drive at approximately 1:01 p.m. on November 22. Upon arrival, they found Dawkins suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 1:32 p.m.

On December 7, police arrested 19-year-old Branon Peterson Jr., charging him with murder for his alleged involvement in Dawkins’ death. Investigators, however, are continuing to pursue leads and are seeking to identify an additional person of interest captured in a photograph released by police.

Anyone with information about the individual’s identity is urged to contact Detective Jude at 614-645-4503 or the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).

Columbus police continue their search for a second suspect in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old as the investigation unfolds.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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