On the morning of December 10, 2017, 54-year-old Van Alan Johnson was fatally shot at his home on the 2400 block of Ottawa Drive in Columbus during a domestic dispute involving his daughter, Elyzabeth Johnson, and her boyfriend, 18-year-old Jordyn Preston. Police say Preston allegedly produced a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking both Van Johnson and Elyzabeth; Van Johnson died later that day at a local hospital while his daughter was treated and released.

Johnson was active in his church and worked in civil engineering and inspections, with roles at the Ohio Department of Transportation and Prime Engineering. Born May 24, 1963, in Cleveland, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University and was serving as head of ushers, greeters, and security at Victorious Life Christian Center at the time of his death. Authorities reported Preston fled the scene, triggering a manhunt that ended with his arrest in Springfield, Ohio, on March 30, 2018; another man, 19-year-old Vasaun Black, was also arrested during that operation.

The shooting was one of 143 homicides recorded in Columbus in 2017 and left a family and community mourning a man remembered for his generosity and faith. If anyone knew Van Johnson or has information about the events that morning, please share what is known.