Columbus homicides up 38% in 2003

2 South Side women added to list after coroner’s rulings

January 03, 2004
Columbus Dispatch

In the final days of 2003, the coroner ruled that two South Side women were victims of violence, meaning Columbus ended the year with 112 homicides- a 38 percent increase from 2002, when there were 81. The last time the number hit 100 was in 1994.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

Detectives said Shawnda L. Anderson, 29, was shot Sept. 26 at the rear of her home, 698 Stewart Ave. She left the hospital intending to return to work, but suffered complications from her wound and died Oct. 16.

Her case was classified as a homicide this week, Lt. Mary Kerins said.

Police said someone shot Anderson after she and her boyfriend confronted someone apparently trying to break in. The gunman escaped and has not been found.

The bullet struck Anderson’s left arm and entered her left side. She spent several weeks in intensive care at Grant Medical Center.

Coroner Brad Lewis ruled that Anderson had died as a result of the shooting. Police listed her Wednesday as the 111 th homicide of the year.

Also that morning, Imogene Crouch-Porter, 52, was found stabbed to death in her South Side home. Hers was documented as the last homicide of the year. William Michael Brown, 51, of 1550 Burstock Rd., Apt. C, has been charged with murder in her death.

Anyone with information about the slaying is asked to call Columbus police detectives at 614-645-4730 or call Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.

Related Stories:
Death toll soars

City's intolerable homicide rate demands action

Help us fight for your rights!

Become a member of Buckeye Firearms Association and support our grassroots efforts to defend and advance YOUR RIGHTS!

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

Get weekly news and instant alerts on the latest laws and politics that affect your gun rights. Enjoy cutting-edge commentary. Be among the first to hear about gun raffles, firearms training, and special events. Read more.

We respect your privacy and your email address will be kept confidential.

Mission

Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending and advancing the right of citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. Read more.

JOIN