Columbus Woman Convicted in 2022 Nightclub Shooting That Left Two Sisters Dead

Columbus Woman Convicted in 2022 Nightclub Shooting That Left Two Sisters Dead

A Columbus woman was convicted Friday for the tragic killing of two sisters during a shooting at an east Columbus nightclub in 2022. After a highly emotional and closely watched trial, the jury found the defendant guilty on all charges, closing a painful chapter for the victims’ family and the wider community.

The case dates back to the early morning hours of June 2022, when shots rang out at the Lounge 614 nightclub, a popular venue located on the east side of Columbus. Police responded to chaotic scenes as patrons fled the building in panic. Inside, they discovered two women—identified as 26-year-old Brianna Carter and 28-year-old Jasmine Carter—both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by emergency personnel, the sisters were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators quickly zeroed in on the now-convicted woman, 29-year-old Tashaun Thompson, after piecing together surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and forensic evidence. According to court documents, a dispute had broken out between Thompson and the Carter sisters earlier that evening. Witnesses testified that tensions escalated rapidly, fueled by alcohol and long-standing personal grievances.

Prosecutors argued that Thompson left the club after the altercation, retrieved a handgun from her vehicle, and returned to confront the sisters. In the confrontation that followed, she opened fire at close range, striking both women multiple times before fleeing the scene. Detectives said shell casings recovered at the scene matched a firearm later found in Thompson’s possession during her arrest.

Throughout the weeklong trial, the prosecution painted a picture of a woman consumed by anger and revenge. In their closing arguments, they emphasized that the killings were “cold, deliberate, and calculated.” They also presented emotional testimonies from the Carter family, who described the devastating impact the sisters’ deaths have had on their lives.

Defense attorneys attempted to argue that Thompson acted in self-defense, claiming she feared for her life after being threatened by the sisters. However, prosecutors countered that Thompson had multiple opportunities to walk away from the situation but instead made the deliberate decision to escalate it into deadly violence.

After less than a full day of deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict on two counts of murder, as well as additional charges of aggravated assault and illegal possession of a firearm.

Franklin County Judge Melissa Rowland presided over the trial and is scheduled to sentence Thompson next month. She faces the possibility of life in prison without the chance of parole.

In a statement following the verdict, Franklin County Prosecutor John Thompson (no relation to the defendant) expressed gratitude to the jury for their service and offered condolences to the Carter family.

“No family should have to endure the pain of losing two loved ones in such a senseless and violent way,” he said. “We hope today’s verdict brings them a measure of justice and begins the long process of healing.”

Outside the courthouse, dozens of family members and friends of Brianna and Jasmine Carter embraced, many with tears streaming down their faces. They held photographs of the sisters—one a nursing assistant, the other an aspiring chef—both remembered for their vibrant spirits and commitment to their community.

“This doesn’t bring them back,” said their mother, Karen Carter. “But at least now we know the person who did this will be held accountable. My girls deserved so much more. They had their whole lives ahead of them.”

The nightclub where the shooting occurred has since closed permanently, with city leaders citing safety concerns and a history of prior incidents. In the aftermath of the tragedy, local officials have renewed calls for tougher regulations on nightlife establishments and better conflict resolution programs to help prevent future violence.

The case has left a lasting scar on Columbus’ east side, but Friday’s conviction marks an important step toward justice, not only for the Carter family but for a community still grieving their loss.

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