Columbus Conflict Homicide Fugitive

Milton Rico Branch is suspected of shooting and killing a man over an ongoing dispute.

OHIO FUGITIVE NEWS -- Columbus police are conducting a manhunt for Milton Rico Branch who is most wanted for murder. Branch, allegedly killed 20-year-old James W Smith on April 14, 2010, at the Winding Creek Apartments located in the 4600 block of Refugee Road in Colombus, Ohio. Additionally, Milton R. Branch is now recognized as a fugitive for murder and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Purportedly, the shooting occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m., Milton Branch went to Smith's home where he shot Smith in the hallway outside his apartment. Smith wounded, managed to walk back to his apartment while Branch immediately fled the scene. Police soon arrived and found Smith lying wounded inside his apartment. Smith soon died of the gunshot before he could be transported to a hospital.

It is further believed that Branch and Smith were involved in a dispute immediately before the shooting as well as earlier in the day. Therefore, the killing should be considered a conflict homicide because of the ongoing argument between the two men.

Milton Rico Branch has a large scar on the left side of his neck. He is further described as:

• Birth Date: 1988
• Height: 69 inches
• Weight: 145 pounds
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Black
• Sex: Male
• Race: Black

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Milton R. Branch, most wanted for murder in Ohio, is asked to call Detective Philip Paley at 614-645-4219, or the Columbus P.D. Homicide Squad at 614-645-4730.