28-year-old Desmond Taylor and 36-year-old Ceilin Smith killed in Columbus Avalon nightclub shooting

The Columbus Division of Police is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Friday morning at the Avalon nightclub located on North 5th Street.

Two individuals, 28-year-old Desmond Taylor and 36-year-old Ceilin Smith, were tragically killed in the incident.

Officers responded to the scene at approximately 1:45 am after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

The Columbus Division of Police is seeking the assistance of the community in identifying any witnesses to the shooting.

Mr. Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mr. Smith succumbed to his injuries at Grant Medical Center shortly after arriving in critical condition.

A third victim was also transported to Grant Medical Center in critical condition, but their condition has since improved.

The fourth victim received treatment at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and is expected to survive.

Investigators believe the shooting may have originated from an altercation within the nightclub.

They are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying several people of interest and have released surveillance footage of two individuals who were present at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).