James C. Pettigrew Jr., 31, was shot in the late afternoon of January 27, 2026, on the 500 block of South Richardson Avenue in the South Central Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Columbus police were called at about 3:20 p.m.; Pettigrew was found with a serious gunshot wound and taken to Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:53 p.m.

Pettigrew is described as a father of two who was known to family as funny and energetic. The motive is unknown, and detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has video from the area to contact them.

If anyone knew James, saw activity on South Richardson Avenue that afternoon, or has footage that could help investigators, please come forward.