COLUMBUS, Ohio — The latest homicide involving a 16-year-old suspect in Columbus is causing frustration and concern among city leaders and raises questions about who is responsible.
The teen is charged with the shooting death of 39-year-old Alejandro Lopez-Lechuga at an apartment complex on the city's northeast side on Wednesday morning.
Witnesses at the scene said the teen was attempting to break into vehicles outside apartments on Jester Lane when Lopez-Lechuga intervened.
Later that afternoon, the teen was injured in a shooting involving officers.
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s frustrating and I’m angry,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther. “We need more officers, we need intervention that works and we need to continue to invest in our young people."
While city leaders have implemented more resources to help reduce homicides and violence, Ginther says there's still more to be done.
“How did a 16-year-old get a gun? What we have in the state of Ohio is some of the most reckless and dangerous gun laws in the country,” said Ginther.
City leaders have called on the public to step up.
“I need everybody to step up. Parents you need to know where your kids are, who they are with, what type of activity they are engaged with. I want you to monitor their social media and do their part,” Ginther said.
The 16-year-old is charged with murder.