Jusiah Mason Obituary, Death: Police say all downtown Columbus shooting victims were teens aged 17 or 18.

Jusiah Mason Obituary, Death – The Columbus Division of Police is requesting public assistance in identifying those responsible for a downtown Columbus shooting that left one teen dead and several others injured early Saturday morning. The incident occurred near the intersection of South Ludlow and West Town streets, close to Bicentennial Park.

Authorities said the gunfire broke out in the early hours of the morning and claimed the life of 18-year-old Jusiah Mason, a recent graduate of Beechcroft High School. Seven others, all between the ages of 17 and 18, were also injured in the shooting. Most of the wounded were taken to local hospitals, where all but one were reported to be in stable condition.

Sergeant Joseph Albert of the Columbus Police said there was a large gathering in the area before the violence erupted. Approximately five minutes prior to the shooting, residents had called in to report a crowd of between 50 and 80 people. Albert noted that several people were seen in multiple vehicles and that “a lot of shots” were fired by different individuals. However, he did not disclose how many shots were fired or what may have sparked the violence. Many of those involved reportedly fled the scene before police arrived.

Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area but are urging anyone who was present or has information to come forward. Sergeant Albert emphasized that it’s common for such gatherings of young people to involve cellphone recordings, and he encouraged anyone with videos or photos to share them with investigators. He also appealed to local businesses to provide any surveillance footage they may have captured that night.

“Gun violence in our city must stop,” Albert said. “We need the young adults and juveniles in our city to realize that there is more to life than gun violence. The quicker they learn that, the better off we will be as a community.”

In response to the incident, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther issued a statement urging parents to be more vigilant about their children’s activities and the company they keep. He stressed the importance of parental involvement in preventing youth violence.

“Violence in our city – particularly involving and impacting young people – must stop,” Ginther said. “Columbus Police are doing their part by actively patrolling our neighborhoods and downtown. The city is investing over \$28 million in programs to keep young people safe and engaged this summer. Now, I need parents to do their part—know who your kids are hanging out with, set curfews, check their rooms for weapons, and monitor their social media.”

Mayor Ginther also urged gun owners to be more responsible, warning that many crimes are committed with firearms stolen from unattended vehicles.

Columbus police are encouraging anyone with digital evidence related to the incident—such as videos, photos, or surveillance footage—to submit it anonymously using a QR code system. No account is needed for submission. Those with tips are also asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).