Lester Thomas

Lester Thomas, a 35-year-old Black man, was a father of two whose life was abruptly cut short by gun violence on a November evening in Columbus, Ohio. Remembered by those who knew him, his death left a void in his family and community, a loss that remains unresolved years later as his case has grown cold.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28, 2015, was a mild evening in the city's Northland neighborhood. At approximately 8:14 p.m., the sound of gunfire shattered the quiet on Blue Spruce Place, a residential street lined with apartment buildings. Residents called 911 to report a shooting, and Columbus Division of Police officers were dispatched to the scene. When they arrived, they discovered Lester Thomas in a driveway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Paramedics rushed him to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in critical condition. Medical staff worked to save his life, but his injuries were too severe. At 10:20 p.m., just over two hours after he was shot, Lester Thomas was pronounced dead. His death was the 96th homicide in Columbus that year.

The initial investigation was handled by the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit. Detectives canvassed the area, speaking with potential witnesses and searching for evidence. However, details about what led to the shooting were scarce. Police did not immediately release information about a possible motive or any potential suspects. The case was added to a growing list of unsolved homicides in the city, a source of ongoing pain for families awaiting justice.

In the years since the shooting, the investigation has remained open but inactive, waiting for a crucial piece of information to move it forward. The case is now featured by the Ohio Attorney General's Office as part of its cold case initiative, which seeks to bring renewed attention to unsolved homicides across the state. A public poster details the circumstances of Thomas's death, hoping to jog someone's memory or prick a conscience. Investigators believe that there are people in the community who have knowledge about what happened that night in the driveway on Blue Spruce Place.

No arrests have ever been made in connection with the murder of Lester Thomas, and no suspects have been publicly identified. His family continues to wait for answers and for the person or people responsible for his death to be held accountable. The case serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of gun violence on families and communities.

Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any tip that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for the homicide of Lester Thomas. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).