Columbus police seek new leads after murder charge is dropped against suspect

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus police are still investigating a June homicide after a suspect was arrested before the charge was dropped.

While investigating the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Jayvon Gore, a Columbus Police SWAT unit arrested a man in connection to it as well as an alleged carjacking that occurred about a mile away.

On June 18 at 1:04 a.m., Gore was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near the E.Z. Oakland Park Plaza in the 1400 block of Oakland Park Avenue in North Linden. Multiple tips after the incident pointed to a person of interest, and three weeks later, police arrested 33-year-old Toreal Crawford.

Crawford, who also had a warrant issued for his arrest in late May, is facing aggravated robbery charges, stemming from an incident in which a rideshare driver was accosted at a gas station in the 2700 block of Cleveland Avenue. While Crawford’s carjacking case remains ongoing in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the initial murder charge against him was dropped.

Reports of several individuals exchanging gunfire were received during the June shooting, with the outside of a Columbus Division of Fire station across the street being struck. Police said upon arrival multiple witnesses fled and no one has come forward with information since the phone tips. See an earlier report in the video player above.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.