Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office Secures Guilty Verdict in 2021 Murder Case

Posted on 3/11/2024

Defendant: Xavier Wilks

Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that after a four-day trial, Xavier Wilks, 31, of Columbus, was found guilty today of aggravated robbery, murder, and having weapons under disability.

On Sept. 16, 2021, Travis Knisley, 23, of Frankfort, Ohio, was walking in the area of East Main Street and Nelson Road on the east side of Columbus when he was approached by Wilks. During the encounter, Wilks produced a handgun and attempted to rob Knisley. As Knisley attempted to draw a firearm he was carrying, Wilks shot him once in the chest. Knisley was transported in critical condition to the hospital but died from his injuries.

Wilks was also convicted of possessing a firearm while committing the crimes.

Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Brown will sentence Wilks at a later date.