Nearly nine months have passed since the tragic death of Angel Gomez, a local hairstylist from Columbus, Ohio, who was fatally shot in her driveway. The prime suspect in her murder, her estranged husband Jose Antonio Gomez-Santana, remains at large, with Columbus police yet to locate him despite ongoing efforts.

Rising Domestic Violence Homicides in Columbus

The case of Angel Gomez highlights a concerning trend in Columbus, with 2023 marking a record year for domestic violence homicides, claiming the lives of 25 victims. According to Columbus police, this surge in domestic violence-related fatalities underscores the urgent need for intervention and prevention strategies within the community.

CPD Family Crimes Lt. Jason Garner emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, One is too many. While the current year has seen a decrease in domestic violence homicides, with four reported so far, the lingering threat posed by individuals like Gomez-Santana underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating domestic violence.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The events leading to Angel Gomez’s untimely demise unfolded tragically last September when she was lured by Gomez-Santana to their former shared residence under the guise of retrieving her belongings. Upon her arrival, Gomez-Santana ambushed her, firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene on foot. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, Gomez-Santana has managed to evade capture, leaving Angel’s family grappling with grief and seeking closure.

Pleas for Justice

Angel’s mother, Mary Campbell, issued a heartfelt plea for Gomez-Santana to surrender himself, urging, If you ever loved her, turn yourself in. Expressing her anguish, Campbell emphasized the enduring pain caused by her daughter’s senseless death, reflecting the profound impact of domestic violence on families and communities.

Echoing her sentiments, Gomez’s sister, Erica Cortez, denounced Gomez-Santana’s actions, asserting, He did plan it. She expressed skepticism about his eventual apprehension, lamenting the lack of progress in the investigation and the absence of closure for their family.

Law Enforcement’s Pursuit

Despite the challenges posed by fugitives like Gomez-Santana, law enforcement remains committed to apprehending suspects and delivering justice for victims and their families. Sgt. Garner highlighted the importance of public cooperation, emphasizing the role of community members in providing crucial tips and information that could lead to the apprehension of wanted individuals.

Statistics and Investigations

As of May 2024, Columbus Police Department reports a total of 287 felony domestic violence cases, reflecting the ongoing prevalence of such incidents within the city. Investigations into cases like Gomez’s remain a top priority for law enforcement agencies, with dedicated efforts by the Columbus Police homicide department to bring perpetrators to justice.

Seeking Closure and Accountability

Angel Gomez’s family continues to advocate for Gomez-Santana’s apprehension and prosecution, seeking closure and accountability for his actions. Mary Campbell expressed her determination to confront Gomez-Santana during his trial, asserting her right to address him directly and seek justice for her daughter’s death.

Echoing her sentiments, Erica Cortez rejected the notion of a mere prison sentence for Gomez-Santana, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions on their family and the need for him to face the consequences of his crimes.

Call to Action

In a bid to aid law enforcement efforts, Central Ohio Crimestoppers has issued a public appeal for information regarding Gomez-Santana’s whereabouts. Individuals with any pertinent information are urged to contact the authorities anonymously at 614-461-TIPS (8477), contributing to ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect.

As the search for Gomez-Santana continues, the community remains united in its quest for justice, determined to honor the memory of Angel Gomez and hold those responsible for her tragic death accountable for their actions.

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