COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An anti-violence effort three years in the making has released its first report card for 2024.
On Wednesday night, about a dozen community activist groups met with Columbus Police, Franklin County Family Services, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office and others as part of “Operation Less than Three Digits.” The goal is to keep the number of homicides in Columbus below 100 for the first time in nearly a decade. A few years since 2015.
Marissa Thomas St. Clair founded Mothers of Murdered Children of Columbus and is spearheading efforts to unite government organizations, activist groups, and communities in the cause of stopping the murders. .
“We’re up to 12 murders. Last year it was 24,” Thomas St. Lawrence said. Claire said. “I don’t want to say this is encouraging in any way, because the loss of 12 lives is a tragedy. The community needs to know that the work that they, as community advocates, are doing is working. If we take our pain as purpose and let them know, “You can change, it’s not too late, things can get better and we can really reduce crime.”
Numbers show the number of homicides in Columbus has been cut in half compared to this time last year. But CPD and the mothers of the murdered Columbus children don’t call that a victory. They know there is still much work to be done.
The community is seeing the results. They are showing up for a mission.
“Just get over it. I don’t want any other parent or family to have to go through the experience of losing a child,” Victoria Landrum said. Her son Marcus was shot and killed in 2021. She still grieves for her son, but after a year she decided she wanted to make a change. She founded What Would Marcus Do?, a nonprofit organization that provides tangible resources, products, and information to her Hilltop community.
Landrum believes in meeting people where they are.
“I think it helps a lot if people know you care about them and are providing information that they can use,” she says.
Terry Green is another leader working to make a difference in the lives of Columbus youth.
“A lot of young people are going through trauma right now,” Green said. “Whether it’s seeing a friend incarcerated or seeing a friend or family member affected by gun violence.”
Green started Think Make Live Youth. He works with the city’s youth, giving them a place to listen and heal.
Efforts to keep homicide numbers below triple digits are hurting Greene, too. His brother was murdered and six months ago his nephew Imperial Stewart was murdered. He can speak to young people based on his passion and experience.
“Having a family affected by gun violence can be deeply traumatic for young people. Many young people do not have a safe place to grow and heal through such traumatic experiences.” Mr. Green said. “It’s a powerful change to see organizations come together, right? Because we have different organizations working together with one mission.”
The Columbus Police Department was not a sponsor of Wednesday’s event, but badges were displayed throughout the room. Homicide Division Commander Mark Dehner spoke about the department’s efforts to solve crimes. He said that in 2023, overall he has a resolution rate of over 90%. Assistant Chief Greg Bodker said the numbers are well above the national average.
“One measure of community trust is how many tips we get about homicides. We get hundreds of tips about homicides. We are community partners. ” Bodker said.
Initiatives like “Operation Under Triple Digits” are an opportunity for CPD to build on existing relationships with the community and forge new ones. But they agree that a 50% drop in homicides at this point in 2024 compared to the same time last year is not a victory.
“Keeping in mind that 12 lives were lost, I am optimistic about where we are today. 12 is too many. We are much better today than we were this time last year. But there’s a lot of work to be done. As we all work together and we’re standing here today, I think we’re starting to see results in reduced violence and murder. But it’s too early to declare victory. ” Bodker said.
