Columbus police have issued an update charging Marcellus James in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old James Pettigrew Jr. and are asking for the public’s help to locate the at-large suspect.
Officers responded on January 27, 2026, to the 500 block of South Richardson Avenue in the Hilltop neighborhood on a report of a shooting. They found Pettigrew suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The Columbus Division of Police posted the following update on its Facebook page: “AN UPDATE TO OUR JANUARY 30 INFORMATION WANTED POST: Mr. Marcellus James has been charged with the murder of James Pettigrew Jr. We are asking for the public’s help in locating this at-large suspect who is considered armed and dangerous. If located, please call 911 immediately. […] Anonymous tips can be made to Central Ohio Crimestoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).”
Court records indicate that a second person, Molly Jones, has also been charged with murder in the case. Jones was arrested and her bond was set at $2 million. According to affidavits, Jones told detectives that James paid her to transport an unidentified man to the home. That man allegedly fired shots into the front of the residence while James entered from the rear and shot Pettigrew. Witnesses and security video supported the identification of James as the shooter who entered the back of the home.
An arrest warrant has been issued for James, who remains at large. Police have described him as armed and dangerous and are urging anyone who sees him to call 911 right away rather than approach.
This case remains under active investigation. James is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities or submit an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crimestoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477). No further details on motive have been released.
