A 7-year-old boy, Ryan Rodriguez, was fatally wounded by a handgun inside a residence in the 1500 block of Grandview Avenue near West Fifth Avenue in Columbus on the night of October 26, 2025. First responders arrived a little after 9 p.m.; the child was pronounced dead at 9:18 p.m. Early reports said the firearm had not been secured and discharged after the child gained access to it. Detectives recovered the weapon and described the shooting as accidental while opening an inquiry into how the gun became accessible.

Police said the case would be presented to the prosecutor’s office for consideration of charges and that no suspects or arrests had been publicly announced as of October 27. Authorities emphasized the investigation was ongoing and urged safe firearm storage to prevent similar tragedies. If anyone has information about how the weapon was left unsecured or events that night, please come forward.