Lorenzo Butler Jr, 14, was shot in the chest and killed shortly after midnight on June 3, 2023, near a dumpster outside the Villages at Eden Crossing apartments in Columbus, Ohio. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. Lorenzo had just finished middle school and was reportedly looking forward to learning Mandarin and other new opportunities.

Investigators say unknown suspects approached Lorenzo before the shooting and left in an unidentified vehicle. His death was the third teenage homicide from gun violence in Columbus within a short period that month, a spike that families and the community described as alarming. No arrests have been announced; police are asking anyone with information to contact them or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

If anyone knew Lorenzo, saw activity near Villages at Eden Crossing around 12:30 a.m. on June 3, 2023, or has information about the vehicle or suspects, please come forward.