McKinley Watson

McKinley Watson, a 50-year-old Black man remembered by loved ones, was fatally shot in Columbus, Ohio, on the evening of Friday, August 8, 2014. His death was a sudden and violent end to a life, marking the 61st homicide in the city that year.

The fatal encounter unfolded just before 10:00 p.m. in an alley on the city's Southeast Side, behind a home near the intersection of Oakwood Avenue and Whittier Street. According to the Columbus Division of Police, Mr. Watson was sitting inside a vehicle when he got into an argument with another man. The dispute quickly escalated to violence when the other individual produced a gun and shot Mr. Watson. The shooter then fled the scene on foot, disappearing into the neighborhood.

Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Mr. Watson wounded inside the car. Paramedics rendered immediate medical aid and transported him to a nearby hospital in life-threatening condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Homicide detectives were called to the scene to begin the painstaking work of piecing together what had happened, canvassing the area for evidence and speaking to anyone who might have witnessed the argument or the shooting itself.

The investigation progressed quickly. Within five days, detectives from the Columbus Police Homicide Unit had identified a suspect. On August 13, 2014, they secured an arrest warrant for murder for Andre Lavon Boozer, Jr., who was 35 years old at the time. Boozer's last known address was on Carpenter Street, only a few blocks from where Mr. Watson was killed. Authorities released Boozer’s information to the public and asked for assistance in locating him.

The search for the suspect continued for several weeks. Boozer was eventually located and arrested in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and taken into custody to face charges for Mr. Watson's death. He was returned to Columbus and the case proceeded through the Franklin County court system.

In January 2015, the case reached its legal conclusion. Andre Lavon Boozer, Jr. appeared in court and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter with a gun specification. He also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of having a weapon while under disability. As a result of his plea, the court sentenced him to a total of 17 years in prison for his role in McKinley Watson's death. The plea and sentencing brought a formal resolution to the criminal case, ensuring accountability for the killing. As of early 2024, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction records show Andre Boozer is incarcerated at the Mansfield Correctional Institution, with an expected release in 2031.