Columbus Sees Increase in Homicides and Changing Demographics of Victims in 2023

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus experienced a higher number of homicides, notable changes in the demographics of victims, and what officials referred to as “serial killings” throughout 2023, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

During a news conference on January 11, the Columbus Division of Police shared the total count of homicides in 2023. While the number of victims exceeded that of 2022 by 10, it did not break the city’s all-time record from 2021.

Assistant Chief Greg Bodker highlighted some significant developments from the year’s data. He noted an increase in homicides stemming from domestic violence cases. However, he also found a silver lining in the data.

“Our team worked selflessly and collaboratively to solve over 75% of those cases in-year, and overall 92.6% of the cases they investigated in 2023,” Bodker said. “Some of those investigations, such as the cases of Imperial Stewart, Alejandro Fajardo-Torres, and Renee Benedetti, were very complicated and prolonged.”

The data from the Columbus Division of Police supports Bodker’s statement. However, it also revealed that as of Thursday, 35 homicides reported in 2023 remained unsolved.

In comparison to 2022, while the overall number of homicides was lower, gun violence claimed more lives in 2023. Police did not provide a percentage comparison with the data from 2021.

Gunshot wounds were cited as the cause of death in the majority of homicides in both years. Stabbings accounted for a small number of homicides in 2023, while the cause of death was unclear in eight cases, according to Columbus police records.

One high-profile case involved the cause of death being attributed to overdose. This case led to the suspect being tied to multiple homicides and being labeled as a serial killer by the Ohio Attorney General. A task force, consisting of detectives from the Columbus Division of Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, was formed to investigate and ultimately accuse Rebecca Auborn, 33, of meeting men for sex, drugging them, and robbing them.

The task force implicated Auborn in at least four deaths, as well as an attempted overdose in December 2022. She has been charged with 28 felonies, including murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, corrupting another with drugs, tampering with evidence, and trafficking in drugs. Auborn’s case is still ongoing, with a trial scheduled for February 7.

The demographics of suspects and victims also changed between 2022 and 2023. While there were fewer victims under the age of 21 in 2023, a higher percentage of the city’s homicide suspects were 21 years of age or younger.

Regarding the racial demographics of the homicide victims, there were no significant changes from 2022. The majority of the victims were listed as Black, followed by Hispanic and white victims.

For a chronological list of the 2023 homicide victims according to Columbus Division of Police records, please refer to the source.

Overall, the city of Columbus experienced an increase in homicides in 2023, along with noticeable shifts in the demographics of victims and suspects. The police department’s efforts in investigating and solving these cases were commendable, although there are still unsolved homicides. The data suggests a need for continued efforts to address the issue of gun violence and its impact on the community.