Man sentenced for 2023 death of southeast Columbus shopkeeper

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man will spend at least the next 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of a southeast Columbus shop owner. 

Reko Hickson, 44, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of murder, six counts of aggravated robbery, and one count of aggravated burglary in the death of 55-year-old Vijayakumar Nair. Hickson was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 27 years. 

In July 2023, Hickson attempted to rob Mike’s Carry Out & Grocery on South Hamilton Road. When leaving the store, Hickson shot and killed Nair, the store’s owner. Watch a report on a vigil honoring Nair in the video player above.

“Vijayakumar Nair was the beloved owner of Mike’s Carry-Out and I hope that the outcome of this case brings his family, friends, and customers the closure they deserve,” Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor said in a press release. “I am thankful for the incredible work of the assistant prosecutors to deliver justice in this case.” 

In addition to the charges, Hickson pleaded guilty to firearms and career criminal specifications. He was sentenced by Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Chris Brown.