Blog

With deep sorrow, the community mourns the loss of Rashod Leonard, 21, whose life was tragically cut short following a shooting in Columbus’ Olde Towne East neighborhood early Monday morning.

Rashod’s passing has left family, friends, and loved ones grieving an unimaginable loss. At just 21 years old, he was at the beginning of his life’s journey, with dreams, goals, and a future that has now been heartbreakingly interrupted. The suddenness of his death has shaken those who knew him and left many searching for comfort and understanding in the wake of tragedy.

According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers were called around 2 a.m. to the area of South 22nd and East Fulton streets after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Rashod suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 2:25 a.m., despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.

As investigators continue to work the case, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. No details have been released regarding a suspect or motive, and police continue to gather evidence and speak with witnesses in hopes of finding answers.

While authorities piece together what happened, those who knew Rashod are left to reflect on the life he lived rather than the way it ended. Friends and family remember him for the moments shared, the laughter, and the presence he brought into their lives—memories that will continue to live on even in his absence.

His death adds another painful chapter to the growing concerns about gun violence in communities across the city. Loved ones now face the difficult journey of grief, holding onto memories while struggling with the weight of such a sudden loss.

In times like this, communities often come together in support, offering prayers, strength, and compassion to those left behind. Rashod Leonard’s name is now remembered among far too many young lives lost too soon.

Though his time here was brief, his memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Rest in peace, Rashod Leonard — gone too soon, but never forgotten.

INDIANAPOLIS — A man has died following a shooting early Sunday morning on the city’s east side, identified as 29-year-old Za Sean Davis, with police arresting 31-year-old Quinton Sanders as a suspect in the case, according to the Marion County Coroner’s Office and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).

The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Za Sean Davis. Authorities confirmed that Davis was found suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle at a housing subdivision and was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries.

According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers were dispatched just after 4:10 a.m. Sunday to the 1700 block of James Run Way following reports of a domestic disturbance and a person shot. The location is situated northwest of the intersection of U.S. 52/Brookville Road and Bade Road on the city’s east side.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a man inside a vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency responders provided immediate aid before transporting him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

IMPD confirmed that the case is being investigated as a homicide and noted that a person of interest was detained near the scene shortly after the incident. Investigators remained in the area throughout the morning and into the afternoon as they worked to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

Officials later confirmed that the person of interest was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail on a preliminary charge of murder. The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Quinton Sanders. Detectives continue to examine the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the nature of the relationship, if any, between those involved.

Authorities also noted that this is at least the second homicide reported in the Bade Woods housing subdivision in the past five months, raising ongoing concerns among residents in the area. Police have not yet released details about a possible motive as the investigation remains active.

Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be directed to IMPD Detective TyAnn Lambert at 317-327-3475 or Detective Kyle Hoover at kyle.hoover@indy.gov.

As the investigation continues, community members are left grappling with another act of violence in the neighborhood, while authorities work to piece together the events that led to the deadly encounter on James Run Way.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

PETAL, Miss.— Authorities have identified the victim of a devastating flash flood that swept through parts of Petal on Monday afternoon, resulting in a tragic loss of life that has left the community in shock.

Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem confirmed Tuesday morning that the victim is 36-year-old Rachael Floyd of Oak Grove. Officials stated that no autopsy will be performed.

The incident occurred near the Petal Walmart on Byrd Boulevard when a white SUV was suddenly caught in rapidly rising floodwaters. According to reports, Floyd was inside the vehicle as conditions quickly deteriorated and water levels began to rise with little warning.

Witnesses at the scene attempted to render assistance as the situation unfolded, but the powerful current overwhelmed the area. The SUV was ultimately swept under by floodwaters despite efforts to help those inside. Floyd was later recovered on the opposite side of Highway 42 near Strahan’s. The submerged vehicle was retrieved from the water several hours after the incident.

The suddenness of the flooding has raised concerns among residents and officials alike, as many describe how quickly the water levels escalated in what appeared to be an otherwise routine afternoon. Emergency responders worked throughout the area to manage the aftermath and secure affected roadways.

City officials in Petal are scheduled to hold a press conference to address the incident and provide further updates regarding Monday’s severe flooding event. Authorities are expected to discuss safety concerns and ongoing response efforts in the wake of the disaster.

This remains a developing story, and officials are continuing to gather information surrounding the circumstances of the flood and its impact on the community. Residents are being urged to stay informed as additional updates become available.

WDAM 7 will continue to provide coverage as more details are released.