“Today was a great result”: Family of man killed in AutoZone shooting reacts to verdict

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus man will spend at least 40 years behind bars for his role in a shooting at an Auto Zone near Polaris last summer that left one man dead. The victim's family hopes the sentence will set an example.

A Franklin County judge on Wednesday sentenced 28-year-old Darius Wynn to 40 years to life in prison for the death of 43-year-old Alejandro Fajardo-Torres.

On August 24, 2024, Columbus Police said Wynn and two other men attempted to rob the AutoZone at 8338 Sancus Blvd. when Fajardo-Torres intervened and was shot.

Two other men were also charged – 28-year-old Anthony Blakely and 23-year-old Zackeyis Davis. Davis was the one who pulled the trigger and was sentenced to life in prison in June after pleading guilty to aggravated murder and attempted murder. Blakely's sentence is due in October.

Fajardo-Torres' sister Sylva said most of the time it feels like the shooting happened yesterday, but Wednesday's verdict was a step toward closure.

“Today was a great outcome that will help hold more people accountable for their involvement in these crimes,” Sylva said.

According to prosecutors, Columbus police discovered that Wynn was involved in several robberies last summer.

“They must be held accountable. We must say clearly and acknowledge that just because they were not the ones who pulled the trigger does not make them equally responsible for these acts,” Sylva said.

Sylva said it had been a difficult year for the family.

“We're used to keeping things moving. I think detachment was key to that, and I think when it's all over we'll feel relief and have time to grieve,” Sylva said.

The family says Wynn's family expressed remorse in court, but actions have consequences.

“If you see something, if you know someone is doing something wrong, you just have to speak up. Even if you love someone, you don't have to love their actions,” Sylva said.