Third Teen Charged in Fatal Franklinton Shooting
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A third teenager has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Richard Murphy in the Franklinton neighborhood last month. The arrest marks the final step in bringing all suspects in the case into custody, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
The latest individual charged is a 17-year-old male whose name has not been released due to his age. He was apprehended on Thursday and is now facing charges of murder and related felony offenses.
The shooting occurred on the evening of May 12 in the 20 block of South Princeton Avenue. Police were called to the scene following reports of a shooting and found Murphy unresponsive. He was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators have determined that the shooting stemmed from an argument. Two other individuals were previously arrested and charged in Murphy’s death. Joseph Johnson Jr., 18, and a 14-year-old male were taken into custody by SWAT officers last month. They also face murder and related felony charges.
Johnson is currently being held at the Franklin County Corrections Center on a $1 million bond following his arraignment. The 14-year-old is detained at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Facility, and the newly arrested 17-year-old has been placed in the Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center.
With the arrest of the third suspect, Columbus police have stated that all individuals believed to be involved in the homicide are now in custody. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly altercation remains ongoing.
