Rodney Lemar Reavish Jr., 50, was fatally shot outside the Van Buren Emergency Shelter in South Franklinton, Columbus, just before 11 p.m. on July 14, 2022. Known as Rod, he worked as a head chef at Waffle House after earning his GED and studying culinary arts, and was remembered for his jovial nature and passion for cooking. He is survived by his daughter Querida Reavish and grandchild Arliss Williams II, with another grandchild expected.

The shooting was a double homicide; 36-year-old Amanda Perkins was also killed. Authorities believed the violence followed a confrontation earlier that night. Police arrested 34-year-old Christopher Smith the next day after reviewing video from the scene and receiving information from community members; he was charged with two counts of murder and held on a $1 million bond. The Columbus Division of Police and the YMCA of Central Ohio, which operates the shelter, investigated the case as the city’s 69th and 70th homicides of the year.

If anyone knew Rodney or has information about the events that night, please come forward.