16-year-old girl dead in shooting near Canal Winchester

Posted: Dec 29, 2021 / 05:46 AM EST

Updated: Dec 30, 2021 / 12:37 PM EST

UPDATE: According a 911 caller, Janae Hairtson was shot by her father, who mistook her for an intruder.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus police are investigating a shooting in which a 16-year-old girl was killed on Piper Bend Drive near Canal Winchester in far Southeast Columbus.

The shooting is reported to have taken place around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police confirmed they found 16-year-old Janae Hairston suffering from a gunshot wound.

BREAKING: The city’s 202nd homicide has claimed the life of a 16 year old girl. Police responded to a reported shooting at 4:30 this morning on Piper Bend Dr. in far Southeast Columbus @nbc4i pic.twitter.com/HsCiOHOsHJ
— Catherine Ross (@CatherineRossTV) December 29, 2021

Hairston was transported to Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead at 5:42 a.m. She was a junior at Canal Winchester High School, according to a district statement.

“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,” the statement read.

Three weeks ago, two other Canal Winchester students were killed in a shooting: 6-year-old Londynn Wall-Neal and 9-year-old Demetrius Wall-Neal.

Hairston’s death marked the 202nd homicide in Columbus in 2021. Police continue to investigate.