Rene Soto Death News; Father of five fatally shot in mobile home park amid holiday weekend violence
Rene Soto Death News – Columbus police are investigating a string of shootings that unfolded over the holiday weekend, including the tragic killing of a father of five in a northeast Columbus mobile home community near the airport.
The deadly shooting happened early Sunday morning in a neighborhood off Stelzer Road, where two people were struck by gunfire. A nearby resident, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, recalled hearing the gunshots pierce the quiet of the night. “They sounded like pistols and stuff, the normal stuff,” the neighbor said, describing the familiar but unsettling sound of gunfire.
Police later confirmed that one of the victims, 37-year-old Rene Soto, was killed in the attack. Soto’s family, while declining on-camera interviews, provided photos of him to ABC 6. Relatives described him as a devoted father who was raising five children. Originally from California, Soto had moved back to Columbus from Mexico three years ago in order to be closer to loved ones. Family members said he worked as a self-employed painter, and they remembered him as a kind, dependable man who was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help.
While investigators are working to piece together what led to the shooting, Columbus police have not released details about potential suspects or a motive. The lack of answers has left Soto’s family and neighbors searching for an explanation to a senseless act of violence.
Soto’s death was part of a broader pattern of gun violence across the city over the holiday weekend. On Saturday night, just hours apart, two other shootings were reported in different neighborhoods. One man was shot in the leg outside a McDonald’s restaurant on West Broad Street in Franklinton, while a woman was wounded in another shooting on Laraine Court. Police confirmed that both of those victims are expected to survive their injuries.
The incidents come at a time when Columbus is actually seeing a reduction in violent crime compared to the same period last year. According to police data, both homicides and felonious assaults are down in 2025. Law enforcement leaders say that progress reflects community support and their ongoing work to solve cases and prevent crimes.
“We are doing something right, and the community is supporting us, and we are closing cases,” said Columbus Police 1st Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts. She added, however, that even with positive trends, it is impossible to prevent every act of violence. “Unfortunately, in policing, you can’t stop every crime; our goal is to intervene and prevent as much as we can,” she explained.
Despite those improvements, the recent shootings highlight the unpredictable nature of violent crime and its devastating consequences for families like the Sotos. Police continue to investigate all three cases and are actively seeking suspects.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward and help with the investigations. Tips can be shared directly with Columbus Police at 614-645-4730 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.
