COLUMBUS — A Franklin County Municipal Court judge set a $2 million bond Saturday for Molly Jones, 35, after she was charged with murder in the January 27 shooting death of James C. Pettigrew Jr. in Columbus’s Hilltop neighborhood. Jones was arraigned Saturday and remains held at the Franklin County Jail.
A second suspect, Marcellus James, 29, also faces a murder charge but has not been arrested. Police are actively searching for him.
What Happened on January 27
Police responded to the 500 block of South Richardson Avenue at approximately 3:18 p.m. on January 27 after a 911 caller reported a shooting. Officers found Pettigrew, 31, inside the kitchen of the home with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:53 p.m.
What Court Records Say
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Franklin County Municipal Court, investigators believe the shooting was planned in advance. Court documents allege that Marcellus James arranged the attack and paid Jones to bring an unidentified man to Pettigrew’s home.
Investigators allege the unidentified man fired shots into the front of the residence while James entered through the rear and shot Pettigrew multiple times. Police have not publicly identified the third individual involved or confirmed whether additional charges are expected.
Arrest and Bond
Jones was arrested approximately one month after the shooting. A judge set her bond at $2 million at Saturday’s arraignment. No trial date has been set. She is scheduled to return to Franklin County Municipal Court for further proceedings.
Police obtained a murder charge and arrest warrant for James after Jones’s arrest. Authorities have not released his last known location. Police warn the public not to approach him.
Read the recent arrest of a Galion man.
Mother Speaks Out
Pettigrew’s mother, Jacqueline Saulsbery, said a Columbus police detective notified her of the arrest late Thursday night.
“It wasn’t worth taking my son’s life,” Saulsbery said in a statement provided to local media. She described her son as a father of two and said she hopes the case continues moving forward through the courts.
Police Ask for Tips
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Marcellus James, also known as “Hutch,” should call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.
The investigation remains active.
This article is based on information from the Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Municipal Court records, and the City of Columbus Homicide Report. Charges are allegations and may change as the case proceeds through the court system.