COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus man will spend at least 40 years behind bars for his role in a shooting at an AutoZone near Polaris last summer that left one man dead. It's a punishment the victim's family hopes will set an example.
A Delaware County judge on Wednesday sentenced 28-year-old Darius Wynn to 40 years to life in prison for the death of 43-year-old Alejandro Fajardo-Torres.
On Aug. 24, 2024, the Columbus Division of Police said Wynn and two other men were attempting to rob the AutoZone at 8338 Sancus Blvd. when Fajardo-Torres intervened and was shot.
Two other men were also charged — 28-year-old Anthony Blakely and 23-year-old Zackeyis Davis. Davis is the one who pulled the trigger and he was sentenced to life in prison in June after pleading guilty to aggravated murder and attempted murder. Blakely is scheduled to be sentenced in October.
Fajardo-Torres' sister, Sylva, said it feels like the shooting happened yesterday most of the time, but Wednesday's sentencing was a step forward toward closure.
"Today was a great outcome to help hold more people accountable for participating in these crimes," Sylva said.
According to the prosecutor's office, Columbus police discovered Wynn was involved in multiple robberies last summer.
"They need to be held accountable. We have to be firm in saying and acknowledging that just because they weren't the ones to pull the trigger, doesn't mean they're not equally responsible for these actions," Sylva said.
Sylva said it's been a difficult year for the family.
“We’re used to keeping things moving, I think that disassociation has been our key to it and I think once it's all done, we’ll have that relief and some time to mourn," Sylva said.
The family says Wynn's family showed remorse in court, but that actions have consequences.
"If you see something, if you know somebody is doing something wrong, you just have to call that out. Even if you love somebody, you don't have to love their actions," Sylva said.