Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for the Murder of Beloved Mother of 2

Published on September 29, 2026

Columbus, OH—Today, a judge sentenced a man convicted of the murder of a mother and teacher. On September 17, 2026. Jason Palmer, 38, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Murder, Strangulation, and Domestic Violence in the death of Rachel Prince, 46, a mother of two and Columbus City Schools art teacher.

Judge Andrea Noble sentenced Palmer to life in prison with the possibility of early parole after 15 years.

Case Background

On July 13, 2025, Columbus Police responded to 5080 Cobblestone Drive on a call regarding an unresponsive adult female. Upon entering the apartment, officers and medics found Rachel Prince deceased on the bedroom floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The witnesses who discovered Ms. Prince were identified as the mother and sister of Jason Palmer, Ms. Prince’s live‑in boyfriend. After receiving no response at the door, they forced entry through a back window. Investigators later determined that Palmer had fled the apartment earlier that morning. The coroner concluded that Ms. Prince died from strangulation asphyxiation and noted multiple injuries consistent with strangulation, including a fractured hyoid bone.

The investigation found that on the night of July 12, 2025, Palmer strangled Ms. Prince, causing her death, then moved her body to the bedroom, leaving her on the floor.

“First and foremost, I extend my deepest condolences to Rachel Prince’s children and family members. I pray that the accountability that was delivered today provides the Prince family some closure,” said Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Shayla D. Favor. “Domestic violence is a crisis in Columbus and across Franklin County, and stories like Ms. Prince’s have become far too common. To victims and survivors of domestic violence, the Victim Witness Advocates in my office are ready to help, whether or not you choose to press charges.”

Individuals seeking assistance can call the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office at 614‑525‑3555 and request to speak with an advocate. The Franklin County Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 614‑224‑4663.

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