Grand Jury Indicted Man for 2017 Columbus Double Murder

Yussuf A. Yussuf faces new charges related to the deaths of two men found shot inside a car.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Crime — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a building facade and streetlamp, evoking the somber nature of a cold case investigation.
A grand jury in Columbus has indicted Yussuf A. Yussuf on murder charges related to the 2017 deaths of Caleb Killen and Jawuan Reynolds. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A grand jury has indicted Yussuf A. Yussuf on charges of aggravated murder, murder, and aggravated robbery for the 2017 double homicide of Caleb Killen and Jawuan Reynolds. The victims were discovered inside a vehicle at the Wedgewood Village apartment complex.

Why it matters

This indictment marks a significant development in the cold case of the 2017 deaths, as Yussuf remains incarcerated for a separate conviction.

A grand jury issued the indictment against Yussuf A. Yussuf, who is currently serving a life sentence at the North Central Correctional Institution for the 2021 murder of Jenay Crawley.

The players

Yussuf A. Yussuf

He is a 31-year-old inmate currently serving a life sentence at the North Central Correctional Institution.

Paul Smith

He is a 26-year-old who pleaded guilty to felonious assault in relation to the investigation.

Caleb Killen

He was a 22-year-old victim who died in the 2017 shooting.

Jawuan Reynolds

He was a 22-year-old victim who died in the 2017 shooting.

The details

Caleb Killen and Jawuan Reynolds were found fatally shot inside a car at the Wedgewood Village apartment complex. Paul Smith also pleaded guilty to felonious assault in September 2026 in connection to the case.

Timeline

  1. January 23, 2017: Caleb Killen and Jawuan Reynolds were killed.

  2. June 2021: Jenay Crawley was murdered.

  3. April 2026: Yussuf was sentenced to life in prison.

  4. September 2026: Paul Smith pleaded guilty to felonious assault.

  5. November 2026: Paul Smith sentencing is scheduled.

Legal Context

This indictment extends the legal consequences for Yussuf A. Yussuf, building on the life sentence he received for the 2021 murder of Jenay Crawley. The move reflects the ongoing process of resolving cold cases in the city as evidence is re-examined.

The indictment provides a sense of progress for residents concerned about long-standing violence in the community. Local authorities continue to manage court dockets related to these incidents as trials and sentencings move forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights how investigative efforts can lead to new indictments even years after a crime has occurred. It underscores the ongoing commitment to pursuing justice for victims in unresolved local matters.

What happens next

Paul Smith is scheduled for sentencing in November 2026.

Further reading

For more updates on legal proceedings in the city, visit Crime — General.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.