On April 13, 2003, a fire at 64 East 17th Avenue near the Ohio State campus killed five college students, including 21-year-old Ohio State student Kyle Raulin. The blaze began at about 4 a.m., shortly after a large party of roughly 75 to 100 people ended around 3:30 a.m., and spread rapidly, trapping occupants on the second floor. Four victims were found together in one room and the fifth in a separate room; Raulin was among those who could not escape.

Investigators identified the front door as the point of origin and have classified the incident as arson and a homicide. The Columbus Police Department has kept the case open. Robert Lucky Patterson was briefly arrested after allegedly implicating himself but was released for lack of conclusive evidence and remains a person of interest; no charges have been filed. Crime Stoppers named the case Crime of the Week and a reward of up to $12,500 is being offered for information leading to arrest and conviction. Families, including Raulin’s parents, continue to press for answers and justice.

If anyone attended that party or has information about who started the fire, contact Columbus police or Crime Stoppers.