Franklinton murder suspect may still be hiding near Columbus, victim's mother says

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Police are looking for a suspect identified in a double shooting that turned fatal shooting at a Franklinton bar nearly one year ago.

According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, two people were shot at Charley’s Place in the 300 block of South Glenwood Avenue, near Sullivant Avenue. Columbus police found 25-year-old Jacob Coons shot dead inside the bar with a second victim also suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police identified the shooter as Duron Allen Thomas, otherwise known as “Wooda,” who has eluded capture for nearly a year since the deadly encounter. He was released from prison in September 2023 and is also wanted for violation of his parole in addition to the murder charge.

Months later, Coons' mother, Misty Hall, said witnesses have told her Thomas may be hiding near Columbus.

“People call me all the time and say, ‘Hey, he’s been seen here,'” Hall said in October. “We sent him over there. I was pretty much, maybe 15 feet away from this man, looking at him, sitting on a porch.”

Thomas, according to Crime Stoppers, should be considered armed and dangerous and a cash reward is being offered for any information leading to his arrest or indictment. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.