Domineek Sharp

Domineek Maleek Sharp, known to his friends and family as “Boota Bang,” was a creative and loyal young man with a passion for music. The 21-year-old Black man was an aspiring rapper and artist who loved poetry and spent time in the studio working on his craft. Those who knew him remembered him as cool, funny, and loyal, a positive spirit who dreamed of making a name for himself in the music industry. Friends believed he was on his way to success, remembering him as the "best in Columbus forever." His life, full of promise and artistic ambition, was cut tragically short in the summer of 2017.

In the early hours of Saturday, June 17, 2017, a night out turned into a scene of chaos and violence at a nightclub on the north side of Columbus, Ohio. Gunfire erupted shortly after 12:30 a.m. inside Delfin NightLife, located at 6252 Busch Boulevard. The shooting, which police believe involved multiple gunmen, sent patrons scrambling for safety. Shots were likely fired both inside and outside the club. When Columbus police officers arrived at 12:40 a.m., they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Domineek Sharp was found inside the club and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was one of at least five people shot during the incident. Four other men were wounded, including a 17-year-old who was not publicly identified. The other victims were 23-year-old Quisaiah Davis, 24-year-old William Campbell, and 23-year-old Dejon Lockett. Two of the wounded were transported to area hospitals in critical condition, while others managed to get to hospitals in private vehicles for treatment.

The Columbus Police Department's Homicide Unit immediately took charge of the complex investigation. Detectives found themselves dealing with multiple evidence locations connected to the shooting. Investigators began interviewing witnesses and reviewing available surveillance video from inside and outside the club. Cellphone video taken inside the nightclub just moments after the shooting also became part of the evidence police examined.

In the days following the shooting, police confirmed they were searching for more than one shooter, though it was not clear what connection, if any, the gunmen had to each other or to the victims. While no specific suspects were publicly identified, detectives stated that the shooting might have been gang-related. Domineek's death was recorded as the 60th homicide in the city of Columbus in 2017.

The loss of Domineek left a profound void in the lives of his loved ones. On a memorial page, friends and family shared their grief and cherished memories, writing "We miss you Boota" and "Livelivebootabang you was gonna make it." His brother wrote, "i love you brother i miss u to dawg i never forget the things u taught me." These messages paint a picture of a beloved young man whose impact was deeply felt and whose absence is still mourned.

As of the latest available reports, the investigation into Domineek Sharp's murder remains open and unsolved. No arrests have been announced, and the gunmen responsible for his death have not been brought to justice. The Columbus Police Department has asked for the public's help, urging any witnesses who were at the Delfin NightLife club on the night of the shooting and have not yet spoken to investigators to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730.