On May 2, 2024, at about 3:01 p.m. Columbus officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of Reinhard Avenue and found 20-year-old Najaa Ellman with a fatal gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:08 p.m. Witnesses said Ellman had been with friends when an argument occurred with 19-year-old Lawuan Williams, who was driving a 2020 gray Nissan Altima.

Officers located the Nissan near East Livingston Avenue and Kenilworth Place; Williams was found hiding in a nearby residence and surrendered. He was charged with murder and held in the Franklin County Corrections Center, and a judge set bond at $1 million. Investigators are seeking information about the people who were with Ellman before the shooting and the person who fired at Williams as he fled. Detective Westfall is leading the investigation and can be reached at (614) 645-4221 or [email protected]; anonymous tips can go to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).

If anyone was present at the scene or has information about those who were with Najaa Ellman or the shooter who fired at the fleeing vehicle, please come forward.