Arrest made in deadly Deshler Park home invasion allegedly committed by father-son duo

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  – A suspect wanted in connection to a fatal home invasion in south Columbus has been arrested over three months after two people were killed, including the suspect's father.

Dispatchers first sent Columbus police to a home near the 1300 block of Seymour Avenue on June 24, after a woman went to the house to check on one of the two men. When she found him with gunshot wounds, she called police. Investigators later found the home had a broken back window.

According to court documents, Reginald M. Purnell and his father, Reginald P. Purnell, went to the Deshler Park residence, allegedly with the intent to commit a robbery.

Police said cell phone data, video and text messages confirmed the Purnells went to the home and that at approximately 10:45 a.m., Darrell Walker, 45, along with Reginald P. Purnell, 48, were shot and killed. Within minutes of arriving at the scene, the coroner’s office said medics pronounced both men dead.

Investigators found personal belongings of Reginald M. Purnell, 31, left behind, connecting him to the fatal shooting. He is charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

A Franklin County Municipal judge issued him a $1 million bond and ordered him to next appear in court on Oct. 18 for a preliminary hearing.