Columbus Police confirmed on Friday that 35-year-old Ladarius Alexander has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Devekin Louis. The arrest comes weeks after Louis’s body was discovered inside a building on the city’s south side.
The Investigation Timeline
- March 25, 2026: Officers were called to the 1600 block of Lockbourne Road around 7:30 AM after the building owner discovered a body inside. The victim, 36-year-old Devekin Louis, had been fatally shot.
- Initial Findings: Police noted the shooting likely occurred overnight, though no reports of gunfire were made by neighbors at the time.
- Identification: Alexander was initially named as a “person of interest” earlier this week but was temporarily cleared on April 7 before detectives solidified evidence for the arrest on April 10.
Details from the Affidavit
According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation:
- The Conflict: Witnesses and Alexander himself stated that a fight broke out between him and Louis—reportedly over a cigar.
- The Shooting: Alexander allegedly pulled a firearm and shot Louis in the head. During the interview, Alexander claimed he took the gun from Louis and acted in self-defense, accidentally shooting himself in the left hand in the process.
- Evidence: Surveillance video from a local Walmart later showed Alexander with his hand wrapped in gauze, and a confidential source reported seeing Alexander carrying a firearm at the club throughout the night of the incident.
Current Status
Ladarius Alexander is currently booked in the Franklin County Jail. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance this morning, Saturday, April 11.