Columbus Police Linked Three 2016 Homicides

New ballistic evidence connects the 2016 deaths of three individuals in Columbus.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Violence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized municipal building facade and streetlamp, reflecting the gravity of an ongoing cold case investigation. — Columbus police recently connected three 2016 homicides using new ballistic evidence, marking a significant development in the unsolved cases. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Columbus police recently established a link between three homicides that occurred in January 2016 using new ballistic evidence. The investigations into the deaths of Judith Frum, Leonid Kaplen, and Aboubakary Diawara remain active.

Why it matters

Linking cold cases through scientific evidence provides a path forward for investigators and potential justice for the victims' families. Law enforcement is now seeking public assistance to help move these cases toward resolution.

Ballistic analysis has successfully linked three separate homicides from January 2016. Crime Stoppers is currently soliciting public tips via their website or the 614-461-8477 phone line.

The players

Columbus Police

This local agency is the primary law enforcement body responsible for investigating criminal activity within the city of Columbus.

Crime Stoppers

This organization facilitates anonymous tip submissions to assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes.

The details

The victims were 60-year-old Judith Frum, 51-year-old Leonid Kaplen, and 15-year-old Aboubakary Diawara, who all died from gunshot wounds. The shootings took place across the Eastmoor, Livingston-McNaughten, and Northern Woods areas of Columbus.

Judith Frum was found dead on January 2, 2016.
Leonid Kaplen was found dead on January 3, 2016.
Aboubakary Diawara was found dead on January 6, 2016.

Legal Context

This investigation follows standard protocols established by the NIBIN ballistic imaging network to connect disparate crime scenes through forensic evidence. Such methods are increasingly used to bridge investigative gaps in historical violent crime cases.

Residents who may have information regarding these 2016 shootings are encouraged to contact authorities to assist with the ongoing investigation. Providing anonymous tips helps the police department close long-standing cases and improve safety in affected neighborhoods.

The takeaway

Advancements in forensic technology continue to play a critical role in solving historical crimes years after they occur. Public cooperation remains an essential component for police departments attempting to resolve these difficult investigations.