Columbus police have officially identified the victim in Tuesday evening’s fatal shooting at a local Walmart. The incident occurred just before 6:30 p.m. at the store located on East 23rd Street.
Responding officers discovered 42-year-old Anhil Hernandez suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite the swift response from emergency personnel, Hernandez was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
In a surprising development, police reported that the suspected shooter, 25-year-old Manuel Alejandro Cabrera, turned himself in shortly after the incident. Authorities confirmed that Cabrera is the stepson of the victim, adding a deeply personal and tragic dimension to the case.
He has since been arrested and booked on charges of first-degree murder and use of a weapon to commit a felony. The Columbus Police Department has not yet disclosed the motive behind the shooting.
Investigators are working to piece together the events that led up to the fatal confrontation between Hernandez and Cabrera. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence are currently being reviewed to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances.
According to officers on the scene, the shooting occurred inside the Walmart store, prompting a swift lockdown and evacuation as law enforcement secured the area. Shoppers and employees were understandably shaken, and many were seen waiting outside the store, speaking with police or comforting one another.
“This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved,” said a spokesperson for the Columbus Police Department. “Anytime there is violence like this, especially involving family members, it leaves a profound impact on the community.”
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward. They can contact the Columbus Police Department at 402-546-3201. Investigators say that any detail, no matter how small, could help them better understand the events that unfolded.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the loss of life and the tragedy that occurred in such a public setting.
