Police still searching for suspect in University District shooting at rental property

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A University District homicide remains unsolved after three people were shot at a rental property in the winter of 2022.

According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, police responded to shots fired at a residence in the 2000 block of North Fourth Street, where a party was being held. Two of the three injured people were taken to area hospitals.

On Dec. 19, 2022, at about 1 a.m., Talon-Dre Barker was found shot on the kitchen floor and pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital. A second victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his chest and recovered. A third victim was treated at the scene for a gunshot wound to his hand. All three victims were 21 or 22 years old.

Witnesses told police that shots were fired into the residence from an alley behind the home. Multiple vehicles were then seen driving away.

At the time, police said there was a vehicle of interest found near East Norwich Avenue, close to the property on Fourth Street. A gun was found in the car, although a connection between the gun and the shooting or driver had not been determined.

It remains unclear whether the gun found in the car is related to the shooting.

The apartment had been rented through Vrbo, with city officials saying the property owner never finished the short-term rental license application process.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information may call 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org.