Jacob Anthony Coons, 25, was fatally shot on July 28, 2024, during an altercation at Charley’s Place, a bar in Columbus’ Franklinton neighborhood. Police responded around 1:43 AM and found two people with gunshot wounds; Coons was pronounced dead at 1:50 AM. A bystander was also shot and transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

Investigators quickly identified 32-year-old Duron A. Thomas Sr. as the primary suspect. Witnesses said Coons and Thomas had argued while playing pool before the shooting. An arrest warrant for murder was issued for Thomas, and authorities asked the public to report any information about his whereabouts. Coons’s family publicly sought answers and offered a cash reward to help locate Thomas.

Anyone who was at Charley’s Place that night or has information about Thomas’ location is asked to come forward.