In a tragic and shocking incident that has left the Columbus, Ohio, community reeling, two men were fatally shot at a southeast Columbus apartment complex on Wednesday afternoon. The Columbus Division of Police has identified the victims as 42-year-old Antwan Lewis and 31-year-old Harol Forrest III. Authorities responded to a report of gunfire shortly after 4:35 p.m. in the 4100 block of Blakewell Lane East, where they discovered the two men suffering from gunshot wounds inside an apartment.

According to a public safety dispatcher, a woman arrived at the residence and found both men unresponsive. Emergency personnel pronounced one victim deceased at 4:41 p.m., while the second individual was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition. Despite life-saving efforts, the second victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 5:04 p.m.

The Columbus Police Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation, but no suspect information has been released, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward by contacting the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or providing anonymous tips through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477). This is a developing investigation, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.

The Scene of the Tragedy: Blakewell Lane East Apartment Complex

The shooting occurred in the 4100 block of Blakewell Lane East, a residential area in southeast Columbus that is home to a mix of families, young professionals, and long-term residents. The apartment complex where the incident took place is a relatively quiet and close-knit community, making the violence that unfolded on Wednesday afternoon all the more shocking.

Residents of the complex described the area as typically peaceful, with neighbors looking out for one another and a strong sense of community. However, the tranquility of the neighborhood was shattered when gunfire erupted shortly after 4:35 p.m., sending shockwaves through the community and prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

The Victims: Antwan Lewis and Harol Forrest III

The two men killed in the shooting have been identified as 42-year-old Antwan Lewis and 31-year-old Harol Forrest III. Both men were well-known in the community, and their deaths have left a profound void in the lives of their families, friends, and neighbors.

Antwan Lewis: A Life Cut Short

Antwan Lewis, 42, was a beloved member of the Columbus community. Described by friends and family as a kind-hearted and generous man, Antwan was known for his willingness to help others and his dedication to his loved ones. He was a father, a brother, and a friend to many, and his loss has left those who knew him devastated.

Antwan’s family remembers him as someone who always put others first, whether it was through his work in the community or his efforts to support his family. His passing has left a deep and lasting impact on those who loved him, and they are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and senseless nature of his death.

Harol Forrest III: A Young Life Lost

Harol Forrest III, 31, was a vibrant and ambitious young man with a bright future ahead of him. Known for his infectious smile and positive attitude, Harol was a source of joy and inspiration to those around him. He was deeply involved in his community and had a passion for music, often spending his free time writing and producing songs.

Harol’s family and friends remember him as someone who lived life to the fullest and always sought to make a positive impact on the world. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, and they are mourning the loss of a young man who had so much more to give.

The Shooting: A Timeline of Events

The tragic events of Wednesday afternoon unfolded rapidly, leaving the community in shock and law enforcement scrambling to piece together what had happened. Here is a detailed timeline of the incident:

• 4:35 p.m.: Authorities receive a report of gunfire in the 4100 block of Blakewell Lane East. The call comes from a concerned resident who heard multiple gunshots and saw individuals fleeing the scene.
• 4:37 p.m.: Columbus police officers arrive at the apartment complex and secure the area. They quickly locate the apartment where the shooting occurred and find two male victims inside, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
• 4:41 p.m.: Emergency personnel pronounce one victim, later identified as Antwan Lewis, deceased at the scene. The second victim, Harol Forrest III, is still alive but in critical condition.
• 4:45 p.m.: Harol Forrest III is transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital, where medical personnel work tirelessly to save his life. Despite their efforts, his injuries prove to be too severe.
• 5:04 p.m.: Harol Forrest III is pronounced dead at the hospital, marking the second fatality in the shooting.

The Investigation: Columbus Police Homicide Unit Takes Charge

The Columbus Police Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation into the shooting, working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to the deaths of Antwan Lewis and Harol Forrest III. As of now, no suspect information has been released, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Investigators are focusing on several key areas, including:

• Witness Interviews: Law enforcement officials are speaking with neighbors, friends, and family members of the victims to gather information about what happened and to identify potential suspects.
• Surveillance Footage: Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the apartment complex and surrounding areas to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
• Forensic Evidence: Crime scene investigators are collecting and analyzing forensic evidence, including shell casings, fingerprints, and other physical evidence, to build a case against the perpetrator(s).
• Motive: Investigators are exploring possible motives for the shooting, including personal disputes, gang activity, or other factors that may have contributed to the violence.

The Community’s Response: Grief and Calls for Justice

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Columbus community, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for justice. Friends, family members, and neighbors of Antwan Lewis and Harol Forrest III have expressed their sorrow and anger over the senseless violence that claimed their lives.

Vigils and memorials have been organized to honor the memories of the two men, with community members coming together to mourn their loss and demand accountability. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and support, as well as calls for action to address the root causes of gun violence in the community.

Local leaders and activists have also spoken out, urging lawmakers and law enforcement to take meaningful steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. “We cannot allow this kind of violence to become the norm in our community,” said one local activist. “We need to come together to address the underlying issues that lead to these senseless acts and to ensure that justice is served for Antwan and Harol.”

A Call to Action: How You Can Help

As the investigation into the shooting continues, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Columbus Police Homicide Unit can be reached at 614-645-4730, and anonymous tips can be provided through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).

In addition to providing information, the community is also being encouraged to support the families of Antwan Lewis and Harol Forrest III during this difficult time. Fundraising initiatives have been launched to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance to the families as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.

Conclusion: Remembering Antwan Lewis and Harol Forrest III

The deaths of Antwan Lewis and Harol Forrest III are a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on individuals, families, and communities. As the Columbus community mourns the loss of these two beloved men, they are also coming together to honor their memories and demand justice.

Antwan and Harol’s lives were cut short far too soon, but their legacies of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. As the investigation into their deaths continues, the community remains united in their grief and their determination to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

In the words of a family member, “Antwan and Harol were taken from us far too soon, but their spirits will live on in the love and memories they left behind. We will honor them by fighting for justice and working to create a safer, more compassionate world for everyone.”