COLUMBUS, Ohio — Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is finding new ways to bring awareness to unsolved homicide cases.
The organization announced on Tuesday four new billboards across central Ohio with rotating unsolved cases. Crime Stoppers is also handing out door hangers to spread the word about the cases.
The goal of the billboard campaign is to bring closure to families who are still waiting for answers after losing a loved one.
“We are kicking off this billboard campaign to spotlight unsolved homicides in hopes that someone will see it and recall that piece of the puzzle, vital tip that will bring an arrest and closure to victims’ families,” said Napolean Bell II, the president Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said they have received 2,000 tips this year for unsolved cases. She’s asking the community to continue to reach out with tips, because each one could help.
“We have made significant strides and solved many crimes. But we understand we won’t rest. Every family deserves justice and that’s what we are working towards,” Bryant said.
The idea for the billboards came from Brenda Johnson. She lost her son James in 2020.
“Our son James Johnson, our boo boo, a father of 6, was murdered Oct. 20, 2020, at the Sunoco gas station in the Hilltop,” said Johnson.
James was 29 years old. Brenda said her son was unarmed and on his way home. Since he died, she has been doing everything she can to bring awareness to his case. She brought the idea of the billboards to the Columbus Division of Police who set her up with Crime Stoppers.
Johnson is asking Columbus residents to step up and contact Crime Stoppers if anyone has information about her son's case or any other unsolved homicides. She doesn’t want anyone to feel the pain she feels without her son.
“Please Columbus, stop the violence in our city. Stop killing each other, it’s not worth it. Families and kids are suffering every day. The kids are hurting,” said Johnson.
You can contact Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or at this link here.