Teen charged with murder, robbery

Police have charged a 16-year-old girl with murder in connection to a police shooting that killed a 16-yearold boy.

Authorities arrested the girl Thursday and also charged her with robbery, saying she played a role in the robbery that led to Julius Tate Jr.’s death.

Columbus police say Tate pointed a gun at an undercover officer Dec. 7 during a sting aimed at robberies of people after social media sales.

Another officer opened fire, striking Tate. He died at a hospital.

The officers involved were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Deputy Jacob Heaberlin attempted to stop the vehicle, which was being driven by Bruffy, but Bruffy fled.

During the pursuit, Bruffy struck another vehicle before crashing into a pole on Eakin Road.

Bruffy then exited his truck and began firing at Heaberlin, striking him in the abdomen. Heaberlin was able to return fire as he retreated across the road.

Franklin Township officers Roger Myers and Joseph Sheridan arrived on the scene and also began firing at Bruffy, striking him multiple times.

Heaberlin spent 10 days in the hospital recovering from his injuries. Bruffy died at the scene and testing confirmed the weapon recovered from Bruffy is the weapon used to injure Heaberlin.

The Franklin County prosecutor’s office presents evidence in all fatal officer-involved shooting incidents to a grand jury for consideration. Landscaping Inc., CEO Doug Evans and Vice President of Operations Jim Bailey were convicted Tuesday in federal court in Cincinnati. Authorities say all three were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud charges.

Prosecutors allege Evans and Bailey helped create a front company, Ergon, to win minority and small business contracts unavailable to Evans Landscaping. Authorities say Ergon received demolition contracts with Cincinnati worth nearly $2 million from 2011 through 2014.

The company’s and Evans’ attorney, Ben Dusing, says they’re disappointed and