Franklinton murder suspect originally arrested for another crime

For an earlier report on this story, view the video player above.

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – A suspect charged in a fatal shooting from March was originally arrested and accused of an unrelated robbery.

Columbus police arrested Darrelle Howell Tuesday afternoon after officers responded to the 1700 block of East Livingston Avenue, where a man was banging on an apartment door. The victim called police and identified the man as Howell, who the victim accused of robbing him on April 6.

According to an incident report, the victim told police Howell was in the foyer of the East Livingston Avenue apartment building, where he asked the victim for money. The victim told Howell he did not have any before Howell allegedly displayed a gun.

The victim reportedly handed over $40 before Howell left the building. Three days later, Howell returned and the victim called police.

Columbus woman dies after hit-skip on East Livingston Road

Howell, 33, is also believed to be involved in the murder of 56-year-old John Lang, who was found dead in an alley near the intersection of Meek Avenue and Jones Avenue in Franklinton. Howell was arraigned for Lang’s murder and issued a $2 million bond, as was a second suspect, Derrick Brown.

Brown, 55, was arrested Monday for his role in the murder, in which police say the two suspects robbed Lang while in a 2010 Mercury Mariner near an apartment at West Broad Street and Hawkes Avenue. The report states that Howell left the car and whispered something to Brown, who got in the car with Lang.

Brown then allegedly robbed and shot Lang before police said Howell drove the vehicle near the 100 block of North Jones Ave. and dumped Lang’s body in the alley.

Howell is facing charges of aggravated robbery in addition to murder and abuse of a corpse. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 19 while Brown will appear in court on April 18.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.