Three people are dead after what police described as an apparent double murder and suicide in Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Countryview East Apartment complex, located on Esquire Drive off Refugee Road in the Abby Trails neighborhood.
At approximately 12:20 a.m., Columbus police responded to reports of gunshots and arrived at the scene to find 21-year-old Giannh Viars, 19-year-old Aiden David, and 23-year-old Michael Hughes deceased. According to police, Hughes, who was once married to Viars, shot David inside Viars’ apartment before shooting Viars as she attempted to flee.
Police believe that after shooting David, Viars ran from the apartment, but Hughes followed her, shooting her again outside. Hughes then shot himself. The incident was believed to be a result of a domestic dispute, as Viars had begun dating David after separating from Hughes.
Multiple callers to 911 reported seeing Hughes as the person responsible for the shootings, and the police were able to quickly identify the situation. The heavy police presence around the apartment complex continued for several hours as investigators worked to process the crime scene.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information to come forward. The Columbus Police Department has urged people to contact them at 614-645-4545 with any relevant details.
The tragic event has left the community in shock, as families and neighbors are coming to terms with the horrific loss of life. The police have offered support to those affected by the incident, and the investigation continues to explore the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
