Two Men Sentenced for Robbing and Killing Man in University District

Published on April 14, 2026

Two Columbus men who admitted to shooting and killing another man inside an apartment during a robbery near the University District learned their sentence today.

Franklin County Judge Kim Brown sentenced Derek Miller, 44, to a term of 28-33.5 years for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery in the death of Jerry Harper. Both counts carry firearm specifications.  Mr. Miller will have to serve the entirety of this sentence. 

The court also sentenced Brian Richardson, 61, as a result of his conviction for involuntary manslaughter with a three-year firearm specification as a result of this incident, along with two separate, unrelated drug charges.  The court sentenced Richardson to a total of 10-13 years.  Richardson will also have to serve the entirety of that sentence.

Case Background

On May 4, 2024, just after 8:30 p.m., Columbus Police officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. 13th Avenue on a report of a shooting. Officers arrived at the scene and found Miller suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers then located Jerry Harper nearby in the 400 block of E. 14th Avenue, also suffering gunshot wounds.

An investigation by the Columbus Police Department revealed that Miller and Richardson lured Harper to the apartment under the guise of a drug transaction.  The actual intention of the men was to rob Harper.  During the course of the robbery, Harper fought back, exchanging gunfire with Miller, and both shot each other multiple times inside the apartment. Miller survived, while Harper later died as a result of those injuries. On May 8, 2024, Richardson and Miller were arrested and charged with Murder.

Steven Schott and Carol Harmon were the prosecutors in these cases.

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