Man Pleads Guilty, Sentenced for 2023 Murder of Columbus Store Owner

Posted on 1/24/2025

Defendant: Reko Hickson

The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office secured a guilty plea Thursday from Reko Hickson, 44, of Columbus, for the murder of Vijayakumar Nair, 55, in July 2023.
 
Hickson pleaded guilty to one count of murder, six counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated burglary. He also plead guilty to a firearm specification and a violent career criminal specification. Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Chris Brown sentenced Hickson to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 27 years.
 
On July 12, 2023, Hickson attempted to rob Mike’s Carry-Out on S. Hamilton Road, which was owned and operated by Nair. While leaving the scene of the robbery attempt, Hickson shot and killed Nair.
 
Assistant prosecuting attorneys Steven Schott and Natalie Kahler prosecuted the case.
 
“Vijayakumar Nair was the beloved owner of Mike’s Carry-Out and I hope that the outcome of this case brings his family, friends, and customers the closure they deserve,” says Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor. `“I am thankful for the incredible work of the assistant prosecutors to deliver justice in this case.”