Ohio man indicted 25 years after charles ballard found shot and burned in home — Columns on museum or courthouse building representing strength and support

COLUMBUS, OH – A 25-year-old homicide case has taken a major turn after Brian Swanson, 48, was indicted for the 2000 murder of Charles “Chico” Ballard, whose body was found shot and set on fire inside his home.

Ballard, 22 at the time, was discovered dead on February 9, 2000, in his residence on the 300 block of East 17th Avenue. Officers found that he had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and that his body had been deliberately set ablaze.

Swanson was arrested last Friday in connection with the case, marking a major breakthrough in one of Columbus’ long-standing cold cases.

The investigation had remained open for more than two decades, and details surrounding Swanson’s connection to the crime have not yet been released publicly.

The case and its developments have been chronicled in the true-crime podcast The Fifth Floor, available on all major streaming platforms.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News