Butler claims self-defense in shooting of teen gaining national attention

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A Columbus mother is shaken and heartbroken over the loss of her 13-year-old son.

The case is gaining nationwide attention. 13-year-old Sinzae Reed was shot dead back in October at the Wedgewood Apartments.

MORE | Family, friends of 13-year-old Sinzae Reed calling for justice

A suspect was arrested and the charges were later dropped. The Reed family is looking for more answers.

“I really wish I could tell him I love him," said Reed's mother Megan Reed.

ABC 6 has been following the investigation since October 2022. The case has recently gotten a wave of attention from activists online. The name and hashtag 'Sinzae Reed' is trending nationwide.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty even shared a message about Reed on Twitter.

“Seeing my baby laying on that hospital bed and knowing that I would never see him again in the flesh hurt me to the core of my heart,” said Reed.

Megan Reed is gaining a host of supporters who are protesting and calling for answers. Reed is still trying to come to terms with it all.

“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. I am truly heartbroken."

Krieg Butler, 36, was arrested days after the shooting. Police reported that a witness saw Butler get out of a truck, fire shots at Reed and drive off.

In court, prosecutors revealed that Butler told investigators he fired shots in self-defense. After that initial court hearing, Sara Mardis who said she is Butler's sister-in-law told ABC 6 that Butler drove to see her after the shooting.

"When he came to us, he had bullet holes in his truck. So, it's both ways. We don't know who's at fault, but it's both ways," said Mardis.

Charges against him were eventually dismissed.

ABC 6 investigators spoke with Butler Monday at an east-side auto repair shop he had listed as his home address. Butler didn't want to speak on camera about the investigation or the incident, but ABC 6 was able to find out more about him through court records. ABC 6 discovered that Butler has past legal issues for domestic violence and receiving stolen property.

ABC 6 reached out to the Franklin County prosecutor's office for more insight into the case. ABC 6 was given a statement that read in part, "This particular case is still under review for possible presentation to the grand jury."

A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office indicated no further information would be provided.

It has not been confirmed whether Butler and Reed knew each other or what led to the gunfire.