Columbia police have identified the victim in a fatal shooting that left two people dead. Nicole Pannell, 41, of Columbus, Ohio, also known as Nicky Dortch, was found dead from gunshot wounds with a man, Christian Heaves, 31, by her side.
They were both found dead at their home on Pine Rise Court in the North Woods area, near Cooper Road, at 11.15pm on Monday.
“I got a call that my cousin had been killed in Columbus, I just wish I could have done something! Damn it!! What a cowardly act!! My beautiful cousin! 
Nicky Dortch” Read one post.
More about the incident
According to the Columbus Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 5900 block of Pine Rise Court around 11:14 p.m. after a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, police found Pannell and Heaves suffering from gunshot wounds. Pannell was found dead in the basement of the home, and Heaves was found unresponsive in the backyard. The emergency medical service declared both persons dead at the scene at 23:30.
Initial findings suggest that the incident may have been the result of a domestic dispute. The panel’s teenage son reportedly heard an argument and gunshots before calling 911. When the son called 911, the son described hearing his mother scream and said the argument seemed out of the blue, noting that he was unaware of any previous problems between the mother and Hives. He ran out of the house in a panic and asked his neighbor for help.
Investigators believe Hives, who was Pannel’s boyfriend, shot Pannel before turning the gun on himself. Urticaria was found with a gunshot wound to the head. The case is currently being investigated as a murder-suicide and is awaiting further investigation.
The tragic news caused grief to family members and friends. Pannell, who was also known by her maiden name, Nikki Dortch, is fondly remembered by those who knew her. Relatives expressed their grief and shock over the loss on social networks.
One family member posted, “I got a call that my cousin was killed in Columbus, I just wish there was something I could do! Damn it!! What a cowardly act!! My beautiful cousin! Nicky Dortch”, which reflects his deep sense of loss of loved ones.
