59-year-old woman charged with manslaughter after fatal downtown Columbus fight

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A 59-year-old woman named Monicia Peaks has been charged with voluntary manslaughter after a reported fatal fight in downtown Columbus, Ohio on Saturday afternoon. Police were called to the 100 block of East Broad Street around 2:30 p.m. and found an unresponsive individual who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Detectives determined there was a fight between Peaks and the victim, but the identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Why it matters

Downtown Columbus has seen an increase in violent crime incidents in recent years, raising concerns about public safety in the city's urban core. This latest fatal altercation highlights the need for improved conflict resolution and de-escalation training for residents, as well as potential gaps in mental health resources and support services that could prevent such tragic outcomes.

The details

According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to a call about an unknown complaint in the 100 block of East Broad Street around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive individual who was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition, but was later pronounced dead at 3:20 p.m. Detectives determined there was a physical altercation between Monicia Peaks, 59, and the victim, leading to Peaks' arrest on a charge of voluntary manslaughter.

• Police were called to the scene around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
• The victim was pronounced dead at 3:20 p.m. the same day.

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant Monicia Peaks bail at her upcoming court hearing.