Columbus police followed a trail of blood. Now, the suspect is charged with murder

Columbus police have taken a man into custody in connection with a 2023 homicide, the Columbus Police Department announced Wednesday.

Police said they responded Nov. 8, 2023, to the 1500 block of Harvey Avenue in reference to a shooting. Officers followed a trail of blood and discovered the crime scene at 1st Class Tinting and Detailing, 1000 Linwood Blvd.

Probable cause was established Dec. 1, 2023, to issue murder warrants for Gerald Simpson, 30, according to police.

Police said Simpson was arrested Jan. 3, 2024, in Phenix City on separate charges. Simpson was extradited to Columbus on Wednesday, according to police.

Simpson is charged with murder, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, police said. Simpson is scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Ledger-Enquirer has asked CPD for the victim’s name and didn’t receive a response before publication. No further details about the shooting were available.

This story was originally published February 20, 2025 at 11:02 AM.