Rep. Jarrells Mourns Loss of Tiffany Creech, Columbus Woman who Passed following Domestic Violence
COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today released the following statement regarding the tragic passing of Tiffany Creech in June:
“My heart aches as we grieve yet another tragic loss of a young woman in our community. In June 2026, Michael Johnson was charged with murder after killing 45-year-old Tiffany Creech in a domestic violence attack. I commend law enforcement and the county for their swift response, but justice cannot bring Tiffany Creech’s life back to us. Tiffany’s death marks 19 domestic violence-related deaths in Columbus this year.
My heart is with her family, friends, and the neighbors who will carry the weight of this loss forever. Tiffany deserved to be safe. She deserved the chance to grow older, make memories, and live a life free from fear. No family should have to experience the unimaginable pain of losing someone they love to domestic violence. And while our words cannot bring Tiffany back, our actions can help prevent another family from experiencing this heartbreak. We owe her, and every survivor living in fear, more than our condolences. We owe them a future where asking for help is met with compassion, where warning signs are taken seriously, and where protection comes before tragedy, not after it,”.
Last November, Rep. Jarrells introduced House Bill (HB) 566 , the Break the Silence Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a consistent, statewide approach to identify and support domestic violence survivors in hospitals and urgent care settings. The legislation ensures that wherever a survivor seeks care in Ohio, they are met with professionals prepared to recognize abuse, intervene safely, and connect them to critical services. The Break the Silence Act received its first hearing in the Ohio House Health Committee in May 2026 and is currently awaiting further consideration.
Rep. Jarrells remains committed to working on legislation to protect survivors, including measures that strengthen accountability, expand access to resources for individuals in crisis, and ensure that state systems are focused not only on protection but prevention. To advocate for the advancement of H.B. 566 in the legislative process, reach out to Chair Jean Schmidt, Vice Chair Kellie Deeter, and Ranking Member Anita Somani of the Ohio House Health Committee.
Survivor Resources
If you or someone you know needs help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7. You can call 1-800-799-7233, or text 'BEGIN' or 'START' to 88788. Additionally, below are a few local organizations offering assistance to individuals as well:
Franklin County Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 614-224-HOME (4663)
Website: https://lssnetworkofhope.org/choices
Columbus City Prosecutor’s Office, Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit
Phone: 614-645-6232
Website: http://www.columbuscityattorney.org/DV.aspx
Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO)
Phone: 614-294-7867 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. M-F); 866-862-7286 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. M-F/6 p.m. –10 p.m. Su–Th)
Website: www.bravo-ohio.org
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Phone: 800-934-9840
Website: www.odvn.org