Columbus police have identified 20 year old Kenneth Grace as the man fatally shot inside a northwest side business on Hayden Road. Two people who admitted firing the shots say they acted in self defense during what they claim was an attempted commercial robbery, and detectives are still working to confirm exactly what happened.
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COLUMBUS, OH (3 minute read) — Columbus police say 20 year old Kenneth Grace was shot inside a northwest side business on Hayden Road and later died at a local hospital. Two people who stayed on scene told officers they were the ones who fired and claimed they did so to defend themselves during an attempted commercial robbery.
According to a Columbus Division of Police media report, officers responded to the 2900 block of Hayden Road after a call about a shooting inside a nearby business. When they arrived, they found Grace unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound. Columbus Fire medics rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight at 12:08 a.m.
Self Defense Claims Under Investigation In Columbus#
Two individuals at the scene identified themselves as the shooters and were detained by police. They reportedly told officers that Grace was attempting a commercial robbery and that they fired in self defense. In Ohio, self defense claims are often evaluated by looking at whether there was an immediate threat of serious harm, whether the person claiming self defense was engaged in a crime, and whether their response with a firearm was reasonable under the circumstances. While Ohio law no longer requires a person who is lawfully present to retreat in many public places, authorities still review whether deadly force was truly necessary.
For armed citizens, this case is a reminder that using a firearm carries serious legal and moral responsibility. Training in de-escalation, understanding local laws, and having a clear personal safety plan can help reduce the chance of ever needing to fire.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Columbus Police at (614) 645 4075, the Homicide Unit at (614) 645 4730, or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461 8477.
Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm for self defense, invest in regular training that covers not just marksmanship but also de-escalation, legal use of force, and decision making under stress, and always know your state and local laws before you carry.
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