By 1812Blockhouse, Mansfield Division of Police
Yet another shooting has left one dead and local law enforcement searching for answers.
The Mansfield Division of Police patrol officers responded to the 300 block of Jennings Avenue at approximately 7:02 AM on Friday morning in reference to a “man down” call. Upon arriving, an unknown suspect was laying across 375 Jennings Avenue, dressed all in black, wearing a mask and obviously deceased. The Richland County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene which was then processed for evidence.
The victim, later identified as 19-year-old Joseph A. Andrews, Jr.. had been reported as a “missing person” that morning by his family. Prior to the victim being reported missing, a vehicle matching the description of the one the victim had been known to drive was found engulfed in flames at North Lake Park at approximately 12:44 AM. Detectives are working to identify the owner of that vehicle but the fire damage has delayed their efforts.
Major Crimes detectives are working to find out what led to the shooting death as well as to identify a suspect(s). This is an active and fluid investigation and additional details will be released when they are available.
We are asking that anyone who may have information in regard to this investigation or the Arson at North Lake Park to call Major Crimes Division Detective Richland Clapp at (419)755-9470 or Major Crimes at (419)755-9724.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay