Ohio Man Arrested In Connection To Double Homicide At Homeless Shelter

A man his in custody in connection to a double homicide at an Ohio homeless shelter, police said.

On July 15, authorities in Columbus arrested Christopher O. Smith, 35, in connection to the murders of Rodney Reavish, 40, and 36-year-old Amanda K. Perkins at the Van Buren Emergency Shelter the previous evening, WCMH reported.

According to police, Smith was identified as a suspect after officers recovered video of the deadly incident, which they believe occurred following a dispute between Smith and the two victims.

Police have not said what led to the deadly dispute. Authorities have not said how the victims were killed.

After the incident, officials with the homeless shelter released a statement to local media. It read:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events and loss of life that occurred; our sincere condolences are with the family and loved ones of the individuals involved,” the operators of the shelter, the YMCA of Central Ohio, said in a statement.

“The health and safety of the women, children and families residing in the Van Buren Emergency Shelter is the utmost priority for the YMCA team who lead and operate the shelter,” the organization noted. “We are working to minimize the impact on shelter residents while fully cooperating with the Columbus police as they investigate.”