Two men who admitted to fatally shooting another man inside an apartment during a robbery near the University District—Derek Miller, 44, and Brian Richardson, 61—were sentenced today for the 2024 incident, according to the office of Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Shayla D. Favor.
Franklin County Judge Kim Brown sentenced Miller to 28 to 33.5 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery in connection with the death of Jerry Harper. Both charges included firearm specifications, requiring Miller to serve the full sentence.
The court also sentenced Richardson following his conviction for involuntary manslaughter, which included a three-year firearm specification tied to this case, along with two separate, unrelated drug charges. In total, Richardson received a sentence of 10 to 13 years and must serve the full term.
On May 4, 2024, shortly after 8:30 p.m., Columbus police officers responded to a shooting in the 400 block of East 13th Avenue. When officers arrived, they found Miller suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They later located Jerry Harper nearby in the 400 block of East 14th Avenue, also suffering from gunshot injuries.
The Columbus Police Department’s investigation determined that Miller and Richardson lured Harper to the apartment under the pretense of a drug deal, intending to rob him. During the robbery, Harper fought back, exchanging gunfire with Miller. Both men shot each other multiple times inside the apartment. Miller survived, while Harper later died from his injuries. Authorities arrested Miller and Richardson on May 8, 2024, and charged them with murder.
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