Another murder on Monday brings Columbus' homicide total for the year to 130.
Police say 29-year-old Brandon Meeks was shot and killed in the 200 block of East Bartham Avenue on the south side. One person was also wounded and is hospitalized in critical condition. Police say they have questioned a person of interest in this case, and have yet to determine a motive. Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs Monday issued a “call to action and a call for peace” amid the city's rising homicide rate. Jacobs says less than 50 percent of this year's homicides have been solved. And detectives are finding some common themes in the cases.
Jacobs says the caseload is costing taxpayers money, with the division already exceeding its overtime budget for the year.
Earlier this year Jacobs criticized Mayor Andy Ginther's 2018 municipal budget proposal, in part for not including enough money for police in her view. Jacobs says there have been 11 double-homicides this year, nearly three-times the number for 2016.
Jacobs wants the community to encourage people to seek treatment for addictions and mental health problems, and call police if they are aware of any possible violent crimes.
