Columbus police seek public’s help in New Year’s Eve drive-by shooting that paralyzed 10-year-old girl
Columbus Police Plead for Public’s Help to Find Gunmen Who Paralyzed 10-Year-Old Girl in New Year’s Eve Drive-By Shooting
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nearly six months after a senseless act of gun violence on New Year’s Eve left a 10-year-old girl permanently paralyzed, the Columbus Division of Police is making a renewed and urgent plea to the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the individuals responsible.
The life of 10-year-old Amiyah was irrevocably changed just moments before the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2024. She and her 13-year-old sister, Starr, were at a friend’s home on Trevitt Street when a vehicle reportedly drove by and unleashed a hail of gunfire into the residence.
A bullet struck Amiyah in the back, inflicting a catastrophic spinal cord injury that has left her paralyzed from the waist down. Her sister, Starr, was also wounded in the leg as she heroically tried to shield her younger sibling.
“This is a tragedy that has shaken our community to its core,” said Columbus Police Detective Ryan Steele, the lead investigator on the case. “Amiyah’s life, and the lives of her entire family, have been shattered. We know there are people out there who have information about who did this, and we are imploring them to come forward.”
Investigators have recently released surveillance footage of the suspect vehicle, a dark-colored sedan, hoping it will jog someone’s memory or prick their conscience. The video shows the car slowing down near the house before multiple muzzle flashes are seen.
“We believe there were multiple individuals in that vehicle,” Detective Steele stated at a press conference on Thursday. “Someone knows who they are. A 10-year-old girl is now confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life because of their reckless and cowardly actions. We need the community’s help to bring them to justice.”
Amiyah’s mother, Tiana Hall, has described the excruciating emotional and physical toll the shooting has taken on her family. She has called for an end to the “no-snitching” culture that often hinders investigations and allows perpetrators of violent crimes to remain free.
“My daughter will never run or play like she used to,” Ms. Hall said, her voice heavy with emotion. “Her childhood was stolen from her in an instant. Please, if you know anything, say something. Help us get justice for Amiyah.”
Starr, who is still recovering from her own injuries, has been hailed for her bravery in the face of gunfire. Her quick actions to protect her sister are a testament to the strong bond the two share.
Anyone with information about the New Year’s Eve drive-by shooting on Trevitt Street is urged to contact the Columbus Division of Police Felony Assault Unit at (614) 645-4141 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous. A cash reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.
