On the night of July 5, 2026, at about 11:45 p.m., gunfire in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio led officers to the 100 block of Haldy Avenue. Responding police found 23-year-old Demiceo Thompson, a Black male, lying in the front yard of a residence with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Grant Hospital but died the next morning, July 6, at 9:23 a.m.; the death was ruled a homicide.

The Columbus Police Homicide Unit is handling the investigation, with Detective Thomas named as the lead investigator. Authorities have not released a motive or identified any suspects, and no arrests have been announced. Family and community members described Thompson as a young man with a bright future, and his death prompted widespread grief.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit or submit anonymous tips to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. Can anyone who was in the Hilltop area that night help fill in what happened?