In a tragic and senseless act of violence, three women were discovered dead in a Southside Columbus home on Saturday afternoon. The victims, all mothers and one a grandmother, were shot to death, leaving their families, friends, and the local community reeling from the loss.
Columbus police are still investigating the circumstances behind the triple homicide and are actively searching for the shooter responsible for this horrific crime. A friend of the victims, who spoke to ABC 6 News under the pseudonym “Sue,” recounted her deep sorrow and the shock of the tragedy, revealing that she had spent time with the women just a day before their deaths.
A Close Friendship Shattered by Violence
Sue, who had known all three victims, was with them the night before they were found dead. She shared that they spent time together in the home, doing things such as going through clothes, doing makeup, and simply catching up as friends. The peaceful evening, filled with moments of shared laughter and camaraderie, turned into a haunting memory.
Sue expressed her devastation, saying, “It hurts, it hurts down deep.” She added that while the group had enjoyed a normal night together, she never imagined it would be the last time she would see her friends alive. The heartbreak Sue experienced was palpable as she reflected on the shock of losing three loved ones in such a violent manner.
The victims, whose identities have not yet been publicly released by the police, were found shot to death in a house on South Ohio Avenue near K’s Park. Two of the women lived in the home, along with 45-year-old Darl Hamri, who was also killed in a separate shooting that occurred not far from the South Ohio Avenue residence.
The connections between these incidents remain unclear, and police have not confirmed whether the homicides are linked. Nevertheless, the loss of these three women, all of whom were beloved mothers, has left a deep wound in the local community.
Grief and Heartbreak for Family and Friends
Sue described the victims as not just friends, but as women who had family and loved ones who are now left to mourn their untimely deaths. The emotional toll of losing these women was felt deeply by all who knew them. For Sue, the grief was compounded by the loss of someone she had grown close to over the years. As she recalled the time she spent with the victims the night before, she emphasized how normal and full of life they seemed, making their violent deaths all the more incomprehensible.
The tragedy extended beyond the immediate circle of friends, as family members were also affected by the brutal killings. In an especially heart-wrenching moment, Sue shared how she had to make the difficult phone call to inform the girlfriend of Darl Hamri, who was in the hospital at the time and battling cancer.
The news was devastating for the girlfriend, who had no idea that her partner was one of the victims in the violence that had unfolded. Sue’s account of the call highlighted the far-reaching impact of the murders, showing that the devastation was not only confined to the families of the three women but also extended to those connected to the other victim, Darl Hamri.
Arrests Made in Connection to Separate Shooting Incident
While the police investigation continues into the triple homicide, there have been some developments related to another incident in the area. A 39-year-old man named Hakeem Graham was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting death of Darl Hamri, who was shot just days before the discovery of the three women’s bodies.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the shooting deaths of Hamri and the three women are linked. However, the arrest in the Hamri case has brought some sense of relief to those who are hoping for justice. Sue spoke with a mixture of sorrow and hope as she stated, “I hope whoever is responsible for this either steps forward themselves and turns themselves in, or they get caught.”
The police have not yet released further details about the investigation into the triple homicide. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.
The Community Awaits Answers
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this terrible crime, questions remain about the motive behind the killings and whether the events were connected. For Sue, the pain of losing three close friends in such a violent manner will take time to heal, but she holds onto hope that those responsible for the deaths will soon be brought to justice.
The Columbus Police Department has promised to continue its investigation into the incident, and authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to come forward and help piece together what happened that fateful night.
The loss of three mothers, including one grandmother, has left an indelible mark on the community. As friends, families, and neighbors come to terms with the tragedy, the hope for justice remains strong. The investigation is ongoing, and it is clear that this heart-wrenching loss will not soon be forgotten.
