A suspected robbery in downtown Columbus on the evening of Saturday, April 18, 2026, left 22-year-old Damon Thompson dead. The shooting took place about 6:50 p.m. in the 300 block of South Grant Avenue. Officers found Thompson with a gunshot wound and he was taken to Grant Medical Center, where he died. A second man, reported to be Thompson’s cousin, was found injured nearby and hospitalized in stable condition.

Thompson’s family said he was visiting relatives when the shooting occurred. His sister described him as very fun and outgoing and someone who would give the clothes off his back for the people he loved. Responding officers detained a possible suspect for questioning and indicated they believed the incident was linked to a robbery, but no public confirmation of an arrest or charges has been released. The Columbus Division of Police’s Homicide Unit and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers are seeking tips.

If anyone has information about what happened that night, please contact the homicide unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.