Family members, friends, and residents of the Columbus community are mourning the deaths of Ashley Messner, 30, and Shaun Stevens, 39, following an incident discovered Wednesday evening at an apartment complex in northwest Columbus.

According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 7:30 p.m. on June 11, 2026, at an apartment complex near Applebaugh Street in the Hilliard area. Upon arrival, responding officers located two individuals inside a residence. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Authorities later identified the deceased as Ashley Messner and Shaun Stevens. Preliminary information released by investigators indicates that the deaths are being investigated as a domestic violence-related incident. Police have stated that evidence gathered thus far suggests Stevens may have shot Messner before sustaining a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officials have stated that no additional suspects are being sought and that there is no known ongoing threat to the public.

Detectives continue to process evidence, review the scene, and conduct interviews as they work to establish a complete timeline of events. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.

The incident has left family members, friends, neighbors, and community members searching for answers while mourning a tragic loss. Residents in the area described the neighborhood as quiet and expressed shock upon learning of the deaths.

Community advocates have also used the incident to highlight the continuing impact of domestic violence within communities and the importance of access to support resources for individuals facing unsafe situations.

As loved ones grieve, many are remembering the lives of Ashley Messner and Shaun Stevens while seeking comfort and support during an extraordinarily difficult time.

Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

At the time of publication, official obituary information, funeral arrangements, visitation schedules, memorial services, and celebration-of-life details for Ashley Messner and Shaun Stevens have not been publicly released. Family members are expected to share additional information when appropriate, and updates will be provided once confirmed details become available.

The families are respectfully afforded privacy as they mourn their losses and make arrangements to honor the lives and memories of their loved ones.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this report is provided for general informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, not all information may be verified, complete, or current at the time of publication. Information relating to law enforcement investigations is preliminary and subject to change as additional evidence becomes available.

Any conclusions regarding the cause, manner, or circumstances of death are based on information released by investigating authorities and have not been independently verified. Readers are encouraged to rely on official statements from law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and family representatives for confirmed information.

This publication assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or subsequent developments arising from ongoing investigations.

Ashley Messner and Shaun Stevens will be remembered by their families, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by them.