Imam Mohamed Hassan Adam, a 48-year-old Somali community leader who served at the Masjid Abu Hurairah mosque in Columbus, Ohio, was murdered on December 24, 2021. His body was found in a vacant lot in the South Linden neighborhood after a search that involved police and community members. Adam was known for counseling, support, and providing food to those in need, and his death deeply affected the local Muslim and Somali communities.

The investigation led to the arrest and conviction of John Wooden Jr., 48, for aggravated murder, aggravated kidnapping, and robbery; he was sentenced to 73 to 78 years in prison. Isaiah Brown-Miller, 24, was also charged in connection with the killing; he faced aggravated robbery and kidnapping charges and was sentenced to 26 to 31 years in prison. Family and community members gave emotional testimony about Adam’s role and the loss his family now carries.

If anyone knew Imam Adam or has information about his life and work in Columbus, please share what you know.