James Dillard

For more than three decades, the family of James Dillard has waited for answers in the heartless killing that took him from them. A 37-year-old Black man, James was known to his loved ones as “Jimmy.” He was remembered as a sweet, beloved, and kindhearted father, brother, and friend who was loved by all and always greeted people with a cute, sweet smile. His family described his passing as a "heart of gold" that stopped beating, leaving them with broken hearts.

The final day of his life was Friday, September 25, 1992. On that day, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, James was shot and killed. The fatal incident occurred at 3190 East Main Street, a commercial corridor in Franklin County. According to official records, James sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene, his life brought to an abrupt and violent end. The motive for the shooting and the circumstances that led to it have remained shrouded in mystery for decades.

The Columbus Police Department responded to the scene and launched a homicide investigation into James Dillard's death. Detectives processed the scene for evidence and sought out potential witnesses who might have seen or heard something that could lead to a suspect. In the immediate aftermath, however, no arrests were made. As days turned into weeks and then years, the investigation lost momentum. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no suspects were publicly identified, and no one has ever been charged in connection with the crime.

With all leads exhausted, James Dillard's case eventually went cold. It is now one of many unsolved homicides on the records of Ohio law enforcement, a file waiting for the one crucial piece of information that could finally break it open. The case is listed in the Ohio Attorney General's unsolved homicides database, a public-facing effort to generate new leads in long-stalled investigations. This platform ensures that victims like James are not forgotten and that the search for justice, no matter how much time has passed, continues.

The investigation into the murder of James Dillard is still considered open by the Columbus Police Department. Detectives believe that someone, somewhere, has knowledge that could be the key to resolving this case. They urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. A witness who may have been afraid to speak in 1992, or someone who heard something in the years since, could provide the missing link that investigators need to bring closure to James's family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore L. Dillard Sr. and Imogene Dillard, and a sister, Pastor Diane Dillard-Armistead. He left behind to cherish his memory his daughters, Tiffany, Shaunta, and Imani; a son, Rodney Perkins; his sister, Doris J. Dillard; and his brothers, Walter, Theodore Jr., and Robert Dillard. He was also a grandfather to nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren at the time a family memorial was published. His loved ones remember a man whose precious soul went to rest too soon, and they continue to hope that justice will one day be served. Anyone with information regarding the homicide of James Dillard is encouraged to submit a tip to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.