In the quiet of a late Wednesday evening, the life of 18-year-old Au’jai Davenport was tragically cut short in a shooting that unfolded in northeast Columbus, Ohio. The incident, which occurred around 9:39 p.m. on May 7, 2025, in the 2500 block of Mock Road near Mock Park, has left a community grappling with grief and a second young woman fighting to recover from her injuries. The Columbus Division of Police is now piecing together the events of that night, searching for answers in a case that underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence in the city.
According to police reports, the shooting stemmed from an altercation at Mock Park, a neighborhood green space often frequented by local residents. Two women, including Davenport, were shot during the incident. In a desperate attempt to escape, the victims, along with three other occupants—two of whom were juveniles—fled the scene in a vehicle. The car traveled nearly two miles northwest, coming to a stop at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Joyce Avenue. When emergency responders arrived, they found both women suffering from gunshot wounds. Davenport was rushed to Grant Medical Center in critical condition, but despite medical efforts, she was pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m. The second victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital and is expected to survive, though details about her condition remain limited.
The Columbus Police Homicide Unit has taken charge of the investigation, working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter. Authorities have not yet identified a suspect or established a clear motive, leaving many questions unanswered. What began as a gathering at a community park ended in tragedy, and investigators are now combing through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and seeking any leads that could shed light on the events. The presence of juveniles in the vehicle adds another layer of complexity, raising concerns about the broader impact of such violence on young people in the area.
This shooting comes at a time when Columbus has seen a decline in homicides, with 2024 marking the city’s lowest number of killings since 2019. City officials, including Mayor Andrew Ginther, have pointed to community efforts and increased police resources as key factors in this reduction. Yet, incidents like the one that claimed Davenport’s life serve as a stark reminder that gun violence remains a pressing issue. The city’s 2025 budget includes $744 million allocated for neighborhood safety, with plans to hire 180 new police officers to bolster public safety efforts. Still, for the family and friends of Au’jai Davenport, these measures offer little solace in the face of their loss.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even small details could prove critical. The Columbus Police Homicide Unit can be reached at (614) 645-4730, while Central Ohio Crime Stoppers offers an anonymous tip line at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). As the investigation continues, the community mourns a young life lost too soon, and residents are left to reflect on the fragility of safety in their neighborhoods. For now, the hope is that answers will emerge, bringing justice for Au’jai and healing for those she leaves behind.