Columbus communities look for solutions as gun violence grows According to a study from The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, Ohio ranked 23rd in the country for the highest gun death rate in 2019. Author: Kevin Landers Updated: 5:33 PM EDT May 6, 2021 COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus has recorded 66 homicides as of May 6, according to the division of police. That compares to 38 homicides at this time last year. Those who live in areas where gun violence is common say it’s a complicated problem to solve. “Half these kids don't have a mother, a father, an uncle, a cousin. That's really going to help them out or get them away from any violence,” said east Columbus resident Calvin Cox.