Beloved Columbus Woman, Shakeilah White, Remembered After Fatal Shooting on Wildwood Avenue
Columbus, Ohio — Before the sun rose Sunday morning, tragedy struck a quiet Columbus neighborhood when 33-year-old Shakeilah White was shot inside a home in the 1100 block of Wildwood Avenue, a residential street lined with modest homes and families just beginning their day. What happened in those early hours has left a community stunned and loved ones heartbroken.
According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to a shots fired call around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday. When they entered the residence, they found Shakeilah White suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was still alive, but barely holding on. Paramedics immediately began life-saving efforts, stabilizing her as best they could during the rushed transport to Grant Medical Center. Despite their efforts, White was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Detectives quickly secured the scene, taping off the front yard and portions of Wildwood Avenue as they worked to collect shell casings and other physical evidence. A man was detained at the scene and later taken into police custody. His name has not yet been released publicly, and authorities have not disclosed the nature of his relationship with White.
Police have not confirmed a motive, but investigators believe the shooting occurred during an argument inside the home. Neighbors reported hearing shouting followed by a single loud gunshot shortly before police arrived. “It was just one pop,” said Amanda Greene, who lives across the street. “Then everything went quiet, and the sirens came not long after.”
For those who knew Shakeilah White, the news has been devastating. Friends describe her as a selfless, compassionate woman who always made time for others. “She was the type of person who never turned her back on anyone,” said Tiana Matthews, a close friend. “If you needed help, she’d show up—no questions asked. That’s just who she was.”
White, originally from Cleveland, moved to Columbus several years ago, where she worked as a caregiver and part-time event planner. Those close to her say she was vibrant, loyal, and deeply rooted in faith. Her Facebook posts often centered on family, friendship, and gratitude. “She believed in lifting people up,” said Jasmine Carter, another friend. “Even on her worst days, she’d find a way to make someone else smile.”
The tragedy has left her family in shock. Relatives have gathered at her mother’s home on the east side of Columbus, where candles, flowers, and photos of Shakeilah have begun to form a memorial. “We just want answers,” said her cousin Marcus White. “We don’t understand how something like this could happen to her.”
Detectives continue to interview witnesses and review possible surveillance footage from nearby homes. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death. Police have emphasized that the suspect remains in custody and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
As investigators work to piece together what led to the deadly confrontation, friends and family are left clinging to memories of the woman they loved. “She had this way of making everyone feel seen,” said Carter. “That’s what hurts the most—she gave so much light to people, and now it’s gone.”
A candlelight vigil is being organized for later this week outside the Wildwood Avenue home. Community members plan to gather to share stories, prayers, and messages of love for a woman whose kindness touched so many.
In the wake of tragedy, one thing remains certain: Shakeilah White’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering heart will not be forgotten by those she left behind.