MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER IN DRIVE-BY SHOOTING THAT KILLED UNBORN BABY OF PREGNANT 15 YEAR OLD

Posted on 10/9/2020

Defendant: Christopher Lamont Payne

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said, “The tragic death of this unborn baby was the result of this man’s decision to carry out a drive-by shooting at this pregnant mom and an acquaintance  as they were walking down the street.”  Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced today that the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned a twelve count indictment against Christopher Lamont Payne, age 24, in connection to the August 23, 2020 fatal shooting that occurred at approximately 7:30 pm on Denune Avenue between Joyce Avenue and Westerville Road.  It is alleged that Payne fired shots from his vehicle at the pregnant teen and Diarice M. Fitzgerald, age 31, prior to fleeing the scene.  Fitzgerald was not physically injured in the incident.  The counts in the indictment include Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter, Attempted Murder, and Felonious Assault (all with 3 year Firearm Specifications and 5 year Drive by Shooting Firearm Specifications), WUD, CCW, and Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle.  The teen mom was transported to the hospital and the baby was delivered, but succumbed to the shooting injuries.  O’Brien commended the Columbus Police Department for their investigation of this case.  Arraignment for Payne is scheduled for next Monday, October 12^th at 1:30 pm in courtroom 2B at 345 S. High Street in downtown Columbus.