COLUMBUS, Ohio — While police are still investigating a murder-suicide in north Columbus, the deceased’s children have now found a safe, familiar place.
Officers found a man and a woman dead in the 2600 block of Lauffer Ravines Drive after a neighbor called concerned about unattended children.
According to authorities, 38-year-old Kathavarayan Balasubramanian shot his wife, 31-year-old Sowmya Balasubramanian, and then killed her himself.
The couple’s three young children – ages 4, 6 and 8 – were placed in foster care. The local community responded quickly to the situation.
Everyone in the first building was outside watching the kids being with them. I know one family went and got Happy Meals for them so they had something to eat for dinner,” said neighbor Rhonda Harrison.
Within a few days, suitable accommodation was found for them, which is again thanks to the children’s community.
“After putting out a call for help to the community, we were able to locate a family close to the three young children who can ensure the children are in a safe and stable place – now with a family friend,” said Scott Varner, spokesman for Franklin County Children Services.
The agency emphasizes how important it is to give the three children a familiar face during this difficult time.
Someone that young person knows, because we know that when a young person enters the child welfare system — in this case, very quickly, and that’s very traumatic — we can minimize (the trauma) by placing the young person … with people that he knows … in a community that he knows. He’s in a place where he can continue to go to the same school,” Varner said.
Police say the circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear and that there is no history between the family and Franklin County Child Protective Services.
