An Ohio community is mourning after a violent family tragedy left one man dead and another seriously injured.
Authorities say a 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of his adoptive father, 58-year-old Mark Rayburn-Velco, and the critical stabbing of Mark’s husband, Brent Rayburn-Velco. The attack occurred on May 24 in Columbus, Ohio. According to police, both victims were found suffering from severe stab wounds and were rushed to a local hospital. Despite emergency medical treatment, Mark Rayburn-Velco later died from his injuries, while Brent survived and remains in recovery.
Investigators launched an extensive search following the incident before locating and arresting the couple’s adopted teenage son later that day. The teen has been charged with murder and felony assault. Because he is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released his name.
Police have released few details about what led to the stabbing, and officials say the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities also stated that the case is not currently being investigated as a hate crime or bias-motivated attack.
Mark Rayburn-Velco was a graduate of Ohio State University and worked there as a senior IT project manager. University officials expressed condolences following his death, describing him as a valued member of the university community whose loss has deeply affected colleagues and friends.
In a message shared after the attack, Brent Rayburn-Velco reflected on his relationship with his husband and the devastating loss his family has endured. He described Mark as a loving partner and said the tragedy had left him heartbroken as he begins the difficult process of recovery and mourning.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Ohio and beyond, with many expressing sympathy for the surviving spouse and the friends, relatives, and coworkers left grieving. As investigators continue to piece together what happened, questions remain about what may have led to the deadly attack within the family.
