Bexley says homicide at 5540 North Cassidy under investigation; city to pursue enforcement at supportive-housing site
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Summary
Mayor Kessler announced a homicide last week at a 12-unit supportive housing facility at 5540 North Cassidy Avenue. Police said detectives have a "strong person of interest," and city officials said they will press the property owner on management and pursue available legal and regulatory remedies.
Mayor Kessler said the city is investigating a homicide that occurred last week at a 12-unit supportive housing facility at 5540 North Cassidy Avenue and that city officials have intensified scrutiny of activity at the property.
"Anytime life is lost, it's a tragedy," Mayor Kessler said. He told council the property has been part of the supportive housing stock for about 25 years and "for most of my time, we've had no issues with the property," but that recent incidents and last week's homicide prompted the city to meet with property representatives and warn of "zero tolerance" for unlawful activity.
Chief Lewis gave the operational update: "It's been a very intense process. I can share that we have a strong person of interest and strong enough that, we hope to, by the end of the week, have subpoenas issued for that individual." He said detectives are working with Columbus Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and that investigators are connecting other incidents that may relate to the ongoing probe.
Mayor Kessler and Director Klingler told council they met with owners and property representatives and will continue follow-up meetings next week. The mayor said the city believes it "has the tools to hold them accountable" and will pursue remedies "within the law." Councilmembers asked staff about regulatory levers, including whether state provider credentialing or nuisance processes might apply; staff said several routes exist but that provider certification details were not confirmed at the meeting.
City officials declined to provide additional operational details about the investigation but said they will provide updates as permitted by law. Chief Lewis noted the limits of public disclosure while investigators pursue subpoenas and other evidence.
The city did not announce any arrests or formal enforcement actions at the meeting; officials said the next steps include continued criminal investigation and separate administrative or civil approaches as warranted by facts and law.
