The mother of 22-year-old Broderick “BJ” Harper says she feels a sense of relief after an arrest was made in connection with her son’s death — the first homicide ever recorded at the Ohio Statehouse. “We call him BJ. BJ was so full of energy. His smile, he was always smiling,” said his mother, Erica Coit, remembering her son’s bright personality.
Harper was killed over Memorial Day weekend last year. Surveillance footage from the night of the incident shows a group of young people riding scooters near the front steps of the Statehouse. Moments later, Harper can be seen falling backward to the ground.
Coit recalled her last exchange with him before the tragedy. “I told him to be careful, and that was the last time we texted,” she said. According to investigators, Harper had gone out with a small group of people he knew from social media, not close friends. “From what I understand, they were trying to rob him,” Coit explained.
This week, the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced that 17-year-old Travon Robinson has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the killing. The arrest brings the first major development in a case that has haunted Harper’s family for more than a year, according to local CBS WBNS.
“I was happy, just relieved,” Coit said after learning of the arrest. But she admitted she still struggles to understand the senselessness of what happened. “I want to know that from him. I would like to know that from his side. Why? Why did he do it?”
Harper’s death sent shockwaves through the Columbus community, not only because of his young age but because the crime occurred at one of the most visible and historically significant sites in the state. Officials confirmed it was the first homicide ever documented on the Statehouse grounds.
Family and friends described Harper as a kind, hardworking young man with a love for sports and music. His mother said he was working to build a better future for himself and had big dreams before his life was cut short.
Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the confrontation or whether more arrests are expected. Robinson, who is being tried as an adult, is scheduled to appear in court next week.
For Coit, justice is only part of the healing process. “Nothing will bring him back,” she said softly. “But at least now, there’s some accountability.”