Home Invaders Shoot Ohio Couple With Their Children Watching

Columbus, OH – An Ohio couple was shot in front of their children during a home invasion on the northeast side of Columbus on Sunday night, according to police.

The attack occurred at a residence located in the 6100-block of Laurelwood Court near Cleveland Avenue shortly before midnight on April 30, WBNS reported.

Columbus police said they received a report of a shooting at 11:53 p.m. and arrived to find a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds.

The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:04 a.m. on Monday, WBNS reported.

He has been identified as 28-year-old Brandon Gilliam.

The 28-year-old female victim, who police said is Gilliam’s wife, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, WSYX reported.

Columbus police said the initial investigation revealed a suspect had broken into the family’s home and shot the couple, and that the attack was witnessed by an undisclosed number of their five children.

The kids are all 11 years old and younger and they were all home at the time, WBNS reported.

The children who saw the attack helped their mother call 911, according to police.

None of the five children were physically injured during the incident.

Neighbors said they heard multiple gunshots and breaking glass at the family’s home before police arrived, WSYX reported.

At least one neighbor reported having seen an individual running away from the house after the shooting.

A potential motive for the deadly attack was not immediately released, and it is unknown if the incident was random or if the family was targeted, WSYX reported.

Investigators have not released information regarding the number of gunmen.

It is also unclear whether police have identified any suspects.

The children were placed into the temporary care of Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) overnight, WSYX reported.

Police said other family members have been in contact with FCCS since the shooting.

Investigators urged anyone with information about the case to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit immediately, WBNS reported.