COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two men have been charged in connection to an armed robbery and shooting at an east Columbus internet café that left two employees dead in January.
Federal officials say Dezhan Townsend, 20, and Desjuan Harris, 24, both of Columbus, are facing several charges, including brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Columbus SWAT arrested the men on Wednesday, July 3.
According to a criminal complaint, two suspects entered Players Paradise located in the 3400 block of East Broad Street just after 4 a.m. on Jan. 20. The suspects, wearing hoodies, positioned themselves near the office door and attacked when an employee tried entering.
An armed security guard, 38-year-old Joseph M. Arrington, and employee, 52-year-old Karen R. Arrington, were shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
Townsend is charged with three counts of interfering with interstate commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Harris is charged with two counts of interfering with interstate commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Townsend and Harris are also charged with robbing Players Paradise in December 2018 and Planet Jackpot on Alum Creek Drive in January 2019.
Federal officials say each man could face a life sentence if convicted.