Columbus police used pepper spray to break up several fights that erupted at the funeral of a former gang member found dead in the basement of an Southeast side home. Family members of 28-year old Dametrious Edwards agreed to close the church at East Main Street and 22nd Avenue so the funeral service could continue. Police Sergeant Rich Weiner says Edwards had a gang history, so members of the police gang unit were on the scene before the funeral.
Police say arrests and citations are pending. Edwards' body was found September 13th, wrapped in plastic in the basement of a home in the 700 block of South Champion Avenue. 37-year old Danyell Florida and 22-year old Kalene Bartlett, who lived in the house, were arrested last week and charged in Edwards death.
