Rep. Jarrells Mourns Loss of 3-Year-Old Child at the Hands of His Father

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today released the following statement regarding the tragic passing of a three-year-old boy in Columbus last Monday: 

“We in District 1 and across Columbus are heartbroken by the tragic loss of another innocent child, a three-year-old boy whose life was stolen through abuse at the hands of the very person meant to love and protect him. On Tuesday, the child’s father was charged with murder following his first court appearance. I commend law enforcement and the County for their swift response, but justice cannot bring this young boy back to us. 

My heart is with his mother, his family, and the neighbors who will carry the weight of this loss forever. This little boy’s death marks the fourth homicide of a child in 2025. Earlier this year, we also learned that within just 15 months, five other children in Franklin County lost their lives due to abuse and neglect in their homes. These are children with names, faces, and futures that were cut short. 

I carry those young lives with me every day, and I am working to ensure we pass laws in Ohio that protect every child. Because no matter their age, every child matters. And we cannot rest until we build a state where every child is safe, cared for, and able to grow into the fullness of their promise,” said Rep. Jarrells.

Rep. Jarrells is working on legislation to protect Ohio’s most vulnerable children, including measures that strengthen accountability, expand access to resources for families in crisis, and ensure that state systems are focused on prevention and protection. 

For more information about Rep. Jarrells or House District 1, visit this link.