Sixteen-year-old Janae Hairston of Columbus, Ohio, died on December 29, 2021, after being shot in her family’s home. Her father, believing an intruder was breaking in, shot her; she was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

The Columbus Division of Police investigated and referred the matter to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators reported Janae’s father had no prior criminal record and described the shooting as a tragic accident; as of the referral no criminal charges had been filed. Janae was a junior at Canal Winchester High School and had hoped to become a dentist.

Does anyone have information about Janae’s life, the family’s situation that night, or contacts who can shed light on what happened?