Zachary White

Zachary L. White was an 18-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, who was a beloved son, brother, and uncle. Known as Zach to his loved ones, he was survived by his mother and stepfather, Debra and Danny Kinney, and his two sisters, Jessica Hudson and Kristina Biggs. His obituary also remembered him as a loving grandson and an uncle to his nieces and nephews. His father, Kirt L. White, had passed away before him. In online memorials, family members recalled his smile and voice, sharing how deeply he was missed every day.

The late afternoon of Friday, September 21, 2012, turned tragic in the North Linden neighborhood of Columbus. Around 5:00 p.m., Zachary White and his girlfriend at the time, Amber Remaly, arrived at a house in the 1700 block of Manchester Avenue. According to police, the couple went to the residence, specifically 1702 Manchester Avenue, accompanied by two other people to meet a man who reportedly owed Zachary money.

Shortly after they arrived, witnesses told police that three men from the neighborhood entered the house, including the individual who was indebted to Zachary. A man who lived at the residence was instructed to stay in his room while the groups met. A short time later, the resident heard the terrifying sound of multiple gunshots erupting inside the home.

Following the gunfire, both Zachary and Amber were seen running out of the house. Witnesses heard more shots fired. Zachary had been struck several times in his upper body and torso, and he collapsed in the front yard of the residence. His girlfriend, Amber, was shot in the finger. When Columbus Police officers and medics arrived at the scene, they found Zachary suffering from his severe wounds. He was pronounced dead by medics within minutes. Amber Remaly, then 19, was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital for her injury.

The Columbus Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation. SWAT units were called to a different home on the same block after reports that armed individuals involved in the shooting had fled there, but an extensive search of the property came up empty. Detectives began working to piece together the reason for the shooting and identify everyone who was inside the residence when the violence began. Based on their investigation, police eventually charged two men, 22-year-old Quandale T. Booth and 18-year-old Jordan Hill, with Zachary's murder.

However, in a difficult turn for the case, the charges against both men were later dropped. As of September 2013, the Columbus Police still considered Booth and Hill to be persons of interest in the ongoing investigation, but no new charges have been filed. The case has grown cold over the years, leaving Zachary's family without justice. In 2017, nearly five years after the killing, police renewed their call for public assistance, hoping someone would finally come forward with the information needed to make an arrest.

In the years since Zachary's death, his family has continued to seek answers and closure. In September 2013, a year after the homicide, his family helped increase the reward for information. As of March 2017, the case remains unsolved, and detectives are still searching for the person or persons responsible for ending Zachary White’s life.

A cash reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by Central Ohio Crime Stoppers for any new information that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of those responsible for the murder of Zachary White. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online at stopcrime.org or by texting a tip to "CRIMES" (274637) and using the keyword CMH. All tipsters have the right to remain anonymous.