A triple homicide in a Columbus, Ohio residence on Saturday, December 14, has initiated an intricate investigation which sees local authorities striving to solve the grim puzzle.
The deceased, identified as Sierra Muse, 34, Dawn Clover, 49, and Tiffany Parrish, 36, were found by De’Andre Herndon, who had gone to the property on the 1300 block of South Ohio Avenue to visit a friend. Intriguingly, Herndon was visiting the wife of his childhood friend Darrell Hambrick, who had been tragically shot to death just four days prior.
Describing the scenario, Columbus Police Sergeant James Fuqua stated, “Unfortunately, this is a very complex scene with the amount of victims that we have. It’s going to take a little bit longer to make sure that we’re very careful in going through the scene meticulously so we do not miss any key piece of evidence.”
Police, arriving at the scene shortly before 4 p.m., initially discovered one victim with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Further examination revealed two additional women, also shot and killed.
In response to community concerns, The Columbus Division of Police has clarified that these murders are not the work of a serial killer. The investigation considers possible links to another recent homicide on December 10 on the 700 block of East Moler Street, where a man was killed. While an arrest has been made in the East Moler Street case, the possibility of additional suspects in both cases is being explored.
Witnesses are being interviewed and video evidence is being sought. As of Saturday evening, no suspects were in custody. Authorities are urging anyone in the vicinity with cell phone or surveillance camera footage to cooperate with the investigation.
Clues point to potential drug involvement in the crime. As per Herndon’s statement, the house was known as a “trap house,” a term for a place frequented by drug users. Interestingly, while Herndon had visited to see Hambrick’s wife, she was not among the victims, being away for cancer treatment at a hospital.
An incident report from the police indicated the shooting was “drug-related.”
The Columbus Police Department continues their investigative efforts in both cases, seeking to identify any possible links between the December 10 homicide and this triple shooting. The identification of potential additional suspects involved in either incident remains a priority.
