Rene Villanueva Soto – Columbus police have released the identity of a man who was killed in a shooting early Sunday morning on the city’s northeast side. Authorities confirmed the victim as 37-year-old Rene Villanueva Soto, who succumbed to his injuries following the violent incident.
The Columbus Division of Police reported that officers were dispatched shortly after 3:35 a.m. to the 700 block of Stelzer Road after receiving calls about gunfire in the area. When police arrived, they found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders immediately provided aid and transported both victims to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
Sadly, Soto did not survive his injuries and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His death marks another life lost to gun violence in the city. Officials confirmed that the second victim, whose identity has not yet been released, sustained injuries but remains in stable condition. Medical staff indicated that the second individual is expected to recover, offering a small measure of relief amid the tragedy.
Police have not yet released details about what may have led to the shooting, and investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter. Detectives are interviewing potential witnesses, collecting evidence from the scene, and reviewing any available surveillance footage in hopes of identifying a suspect or suspects.
The Stelzer Road area, located in northeast Columbus, was temporarily cordoned off as investigators worked the scene. Neighbors reported being startled awake by the sound of multiple gunshots, though few details about the moments leading up to the shooting have emerged. Authorities have not confirmed whether the victims knew one another or whether this was a targeted attack or a random act of violence.
The Columbus Division of Police is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Detectives emphasized that tips, no matter how small, could be crucial in helping solve the case and bringing justice for Soto and his loved ones.
The shooting contributes to ongoing concerns about rising gun violence in Columbus and surrounding areas. Community members and city leaders have continued discussions on strategies to reduce violent crime, from increasing police presence to enhancing community outreach and violence prevention programs. The loss of Soto adds to the growing number of families impacted by such tragedies, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of violence.
For now, Soto’s family and friends are left mourning his sudden and tragic death. Police said the investigation remains active and that further details will be released as they become available. As of Sunday evening, no arrests had been announced, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Authorities are expected to continue their efforts in the coming days, focusing on gathering more evidence and determining who was responsible for the deadly gunfire that claimed the life of Rene Villanueva Soto and left another person wounded.
