COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 16-year-old girl was fatally shot Wednesday morning when a man reportedly mistook her for an intruder as she tried to enter her southeast Columbus home, sources tell 10TV.
Columbus police responded to a report of the shooting shortly before 4:30 a.m. at a home in the 5400 block of Piper Bend Drive near Canal Winchester. Janae Hairston was taken to Mount Carmel East, where police say she was pronounced dead at 5:42 a.m.
Sources familiar with the incident tell 10TV the family was home when the security alarm went off. The man went to investigate and ultimately shot Hairston, who he reportedly thought was a burglar.
Hairston's mother called to report the shooting, saying her husband shot her daughter. Police did not confirm the relationship between the man and Hairston.
Canal Winchester Local Schools officials issued a statement to families, which mourns the loss of Hairston. The statement reads:
"It is with great sadness we inform our school community, Janae Hairston, a junior at the high school has passed away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and our thoughts, prayers, and support are with them.
"We are saddened by this tragic loss and will make every effort to help students and families cope. We will have counselors available when we return from winter break for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We can also provide resources for parents should you need them."
The incident remains under investigation. Hairston's death marks the 202nd homicide in Columbus this calendar year.
This is a developing story and will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.