COLUMBUS, Ohio — A night out turned into a tragedy no one could have predicted — and the man who caused it had gone there to protect someone he loved.
On Sept. 13, 2023, police were called to Double D’s bar in Columbus just before midnight. Two women — 24-year-old Tavia Copley and 24-year-old Taya Mollette — were fighting outside.
Mollette’s brother, Joseph Howard, stepped in.
He shouted “Get off my sister” — then pulled out a gun and opened fire on both women.
A Sister He Was Trying to Save
The same bullet that Howard meant to use as protection took his sister’s life.
Mollette was rushed to the hospital but did not survive her injuries. Copley was pronounced dead at the scene.
A third person, Daniel Brumfield, was also struck by gunfire.
What Happened Next Made It Worse
Prosecutors said Howard did not stop after the shooting.
While Brumfield tried to call 911, Howard attempted to stop him. He then threatened a witness and stole their phone.
Most disturbing of all — while Copley lay on the ground, Howard walked back over to her, told her she was about to breathe her last breath, and fired one final shot into her head.
He then fled to Florida.
U.S. Marshals caught up with him in Largo, Florida, two weeks later.
The Sentence He Now Faces
After a trial in July, Howard was found guilty of aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence.
On Aug. 6, he was sentenced to life in prison — with no possibility of parole for 49 years.
Two women lost their lives that night. One of them was the very person he claimed he was trying to protect.
What does justice look like in a case like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.