COLUMBUS (WCMH) — A Columbus family continues to mourn the loss of their 14-year-old boy.
According to Columbus Police, Elijah Copley was shot and killed around 2 a.m. Friday while out riding a scooter.
Loved ones and police want to know who did this.
Police issued a plea to the community Friday, asking anyone with any information on any crimes to come forward.
The stepfather of Elijah Copley wants that to happen, too.
“We need to know who did this to our son,” said Walter Jones. “Someone knows.”
It’s been almost 24 hours since loved ones held a vigil for Elijah. Candles remain, spelling out his name on the sidewalk, and there are stuffed animals, pictures, and notes of support from his school, where staff wrote they’ll forever miss his quick wit, sharp mind, and protective nature.
At just 14-years-old, Elijah was about to start high school.
His stepdad said Elijah had three siblings, wanted to be an architect and says he still had his whole life in front of him.
“His whole life, and now he’s not gonna get to do any of that,” Jones said. “And what a loss to his mother. That was her baby.”
The teen was described as someone who was compassionate, energetic and always brought joy into a room.
“You wouldn’t catch him without a smile on his face,” Jones said. “He was just one of those people that always saw the positive in everything, not the negative.”
But Friday around 2 a.m., police say he was shot and killed near the intersection of West Rich Street and Dana Avenue while out riding a scooter with a friend.
According to police, two unknown suspects started shooting at the children. Only Elijah was hit with gunfire.
“Our kids are killing each other and something needs to be done about it,” Jones said.
His shooting happened on what was a violent night in Columbus, with five other shootings Thursday into Friday. Elijah is the sixth teenager shot and killed in just five weeks.
Police have been asking people to come forward with tips and Elijah’s stepdad is doing the same.
“If you know something, please tell it because it could be your kid next,” Jones said. “These adults know as well. A big piece of the world was taken when his life got took. Took a lot of light out of the world.”
“Every house, every block, every neighborhood, people in your family, your friends, anyone that has a connection to anyone they think may be involved in violence, we need your help,” said Columbus Police Sgt. James Fuqua on Friday.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with Elijah’s funeral costs.
Police are investigating and ask anyone with information to call the CPD Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
