Teenage Motorist Linked to Double Fatality Facing New Felony Charges in Prior Columbus Shooting Incident

A 17 year old linked to the deaths of Franklin Ward and Tessa Berry has been charged with felony assault and weapons offenses from a prior shooting.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 6:52 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ABC6 On Your Side

A Rapid Succession of Violent Incidents in Central Ohio

Law enforcement officials in Columbus have expanded their criminal case against a 17 year old suspect following a series of life-threatening events in mid-March. The teenager, who was already under investigation for a March 10 shooting on Eton Grove, allegedly engaged in further criminal activity just four days later. According to the Columbus Police Department, the teen is now formally charged with weapons offenses and discharging a firearm into a residence, adding a layer of premeditated violence to an already complex legal situation.

The Fatal Intersection of a Police Pursuit and Innocent Bystanders

The situation reached a tragic climax on Saturday, March 14, when the suspect was spotted by an officer who recognized the vehicle from the previous shooting investigation. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the teenager reportedly accelerated to high speeds to evade capture. During this escape attempt, the vehicle struck and killed 71 year old Franklin Ward and 52 year old Tessa Berry, a husband and wife who were caught in the path of the fleeing car. Both victims were pronounced dead as a result of the high speed impact.

Aggravated Vehicular Homicide Charges Pending for the Young Driver

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has taken the lead on the crash investigation and confirmed its intention to file multiple counts of aggravated vehicular homicide against the minor. Prosecutors are weighing the severity of the teen's actions, noting that the decision to flee police directly resulted in the loss of two lives. The suspect remains in custody as authorities process the evidence from both the Eton Grove shooting scene and the site of the fatal weekend collision.