Shooting at East Columbus Airbnb Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
COLUMBUS, OH — A party at a short-term rental in east Columbus turned deadly early Friday, July 5, when gunfire erupted inside an Airbnb home near East Livingston Avenue and Wilson Avenue in the Old Oaks neighborhood.
Columbus police responded around midnight after multiple reports of shots fired. Officers arrived to find several people wounded. Emergency crews rushed at least three victims to nearby hospitals. One person later died from their injuries.
Altercation at Party Led to Gunfire
Police said the shooting started after a dispute broke out during the gathering. Investigators believe someone fired multiple rounds into the crowd, hitting several guests.
As of now, officers have not named a suspect. No arrests have been made.
Community Reels as Police Investigate
The shooting stunned neighbors in Old Oaks—a residential area east of downtown. Residents described the scene as chaotic. Some said the house had previously hosted loud parties.
Police spent the morning collecting evidence, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing nearby surveillance footage.
Ongoing Concerns Over Party Rentals
Incidents like this raise ongoing questions about party use of short-term rentals. Platforms such as Airbnb have banned large gatherings, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Local officials are reviewing whether the property had prior complaints. They are also looking into how the gathering was organized.
Public Asked to Help
Police urged anyone with information to come forward. Tipsters can call 614-461-TIPS or reach out to Columbus Division of Police directly. All tips can remain anonymous.
As investigators search for answers, the shooting serves as a harsh reminder of the risks tied to unregulated gatherings and gun violence.
