The Horrific Abduction and Murder of Reagan Tokes: Ohio State Student's Final Hours
The abduction and murder of Reagan Tokes sent shockwaves through the Ohio State University community and beyond. In February 2025, the 21-year-old psychology student was kidnapped shortly after leaving her job at a restaurant in downtown Columbus. Security footage captured her final moments walking to her car, unaware of the danger that awaited her. What followed was a harrowing sequence of events that culminated in her execution-style murder at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
The investigation quickly gained momentum after authorities found cigarettes in Reagan's car, which she never allowed anyone to smoke in. DNA testing of these cigarettes, combined with gas station surveillance footage, led police to Brian Lee Golsby, a registered sex offender. Despite his attempts to destroy evidence by planning to burn the victim's car, investigators pieced together the tragic timeline through ATM cameras, gas station footage, and forensic evidence, including the recovery of the murder weapon from a storm sewer.
Key Takeaways
Reagan Tokes was abducted after leaving work and forced to drive to multiple ATMs before being murdered execution-style in a park.
Crucial evidence including cigarette DNA, surveillance footage, and the recovered murder weapon quickly led investigators to the suspect.
The case deeply affected the Ohio State University community, raising serious concerns about student safety throughout Columbus.
Crime Incident Report
On a cold February night, an Ohio State University student named Reagan Tokes was abducted shortly after leaving her job at a restaurant in Downtown Columbus. Security footage shows her leaving work, with no suspicious individuals immediately following her. The abductor caught her by surprise on her way to her car.
The perpetrator forced Reagan to drive while he sat in the passenger seat with a gun. He first directed her to a Chase bank ATM to withdraw cash, but the attempt was unsuccessful. They then went to a Huntington Bank ATM, where she again couldn't withdraw money.
Security cameras captured portions of the ordeal, including footage of the car stopping in a dark alley for approximately 12 minutes, during which the victim was sexually assaulted. Following this, Reagan was taken back to the original Chase ATM where she successfully withdrew about $60. They subsequently stopped at a gas station, parking at the furthest pump from the cameras.
The abductor directed Reagan to the Metro Park area, where he ordered her to exit the vehicle and remove her clothing. Evidence suggests he shot her in the back of the head as she walked away, then approached and fired a second shot to her temple to ensure her death. A 911 caller later discovered her body in Scotia Grove Metro Park with two gunshot wounds to the head.
Investigators received a break in the case when a police license plate reader located Reagan's abandoned car. They found cigarette butts inside—significant because Reagan was a non-smoker who didn't allow smoking in her vehicle. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) prioritized DNA testing of these cigarettes.
Further investigation revealed a gas can in the trunk of Reagan's car, which was traced to a Speedway gas station. Security footage showed the suspect purchasing this item approximately half an hour after the murder, suggesting plans to burn the vehicle to destroy evidence.
The DNA results from the cigarettes quickly identified the suspect as Brian Lee Golsby, a registered sex offender. His image matched the individual captured on the gas station security footage, though he would later provide a different account of the events.
The community, particularly Ohio State University students, was deeply affected by this crime. Reagan was a Psychology major preparing to graduate, and her murder created significant safety concerns across the campus and surrounding areas.
The Last Sighting
Reagan Tokes was last seen leaving her workplace at Bodega, a restaurant in Downtown Columbus. Security footage captured her final moments walking to her car, unaware of the danger that awaited her. Nothing appeared suspicious at the time—no one immediately followed her out, and there were no concerning figures visible on the street or in windows nearby.
The abduction happened quickly. The perpetrator surprised Reagan, forcing her into her own vehicle at gunpoint and making her drive while he sat in the passenger seat. He directed her to a Chase Bank ATM to withdraw cash, but her attempts were unsuccessful. They proceeded to a Huntington Bank ATM where she again failed to retrieve any money.
Security cameras captured grainy images of the vehicle with Reagan driving and a passenger beside her, though weather conditions and poor video quality made identification difficult. The car stopped in a dark alley for approximately 12 minutes—during which time Reagan was sexually assaulted. After this horrific ordeal, they returned to the original Chase ATM where she successfully withdrew about $60.
The pair then stopped at a gas station, parking at the furthest pump from the building. Despite potential opportunities to escape, Reagan likely remained under threat with the gun pointed at her, possibly believing his false promises that she would be released unharmed if she cooperated.
After leaving the gas station, they drove to Scioto Grove Metro Park on that cold, dark February night. There, Reagan was instructed to exit the vehicle, remove her clothing, and walk forward. She may have believed she was being released, but instead, her abductor followed behind her, shooting her in the back of the head before firing a second shot at her temple—an execution-style murder that left no chance of survival.
The following morning, a disturbed 911 caller reported discovering her body in the park. Responding detectives confirmed it was a female in her twenties with two gunshot wounds to the head, lying unclothed in a field—a shocking crime scene highly unusual for Grove City, Ohio.
Law enforcement's first major break came when a police license plate reader located Reagan's abandoned car. Investigators found cigarette butts inside—significant because friends and family confirmed Reagan didn't smoke and prohibited smoking in her vehicle. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation expedited DNA testing on these items, essentially shutting down their lab to prioritize the case.
Additionally, a gas can discovered in the trunk was traced to a nearby Speedway station where surveillance footage showed the suspect purchasing it approximately 30 minutes after Reagan's murder, suggesting he planned to burn the vehicle to destroy evidence.
Within hours, the crime lab identified the DNA on the cigarettes as belonging to Brian Lee Golsby, a registered sex offender—confirming he was the same individual captured on the gas station video.
Abduction and ATM Incident
On a cold February night, Reagan Tokes left her job at a restaurant in Downtown Columbus Bodega, unaware that she was being watched. Without warning, a man approached and abducted her, forcing her into her own vehicle at gunpoint. He made her drive while he sat in the passenger seat with the weapon trained on her.
The perpetrator first directed Reagan to a Chase Bank ATM to withdraw cash. When this attempt was unsuccessful, he forced her to drive to a second location, a Huntington Bank ATM, where she again failed to retrieve any money. Security footage captured these moments, showing Reagan's car with a shadowy figure in the passenger seat.
Following these failed withdrawal attempts, the assailant forced Reagan to drive to a dark alley where they remained for approximately 12 minutes. During this time, he sexually assaulted her. After the assault, he made her return to the original Chase Bank ATM where she successfully withdrew $60.
The pair then drove to a gas station, choosing the furthest pump from the building. Despite potential opportunities to escape, Reagan likely remained under threat with the gun pointed at her. Many victims in such situations are told they'll be released if they comply, creating false hope for survival.
After obtaining fuel, the kidnapper directed Reagan to the Metro Park area. He ordered her to exit the vehicle, remove her clothing, and walk away. What may have seemed like a release was actually a death march. The assailant followed her, shot her in the back of the head, and then fired a second time at her temple to ensure her death.
The investigation caught a break when a police database license plate reader located Reagan's abandoned car. Investigators found:
Scorch marks on the front seat, indicating an attempt to burn evidence
Cigarette butts (Reagan was a non-smoker who prohibited smoking in her car)
A gas can in the trunk
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation expedited DNA testing on the cigarettes while detectives traced the gas can to a nearby Speedway station. Security footage from the gas station showed the suspect purchasing the can approximately 30 minutes after Reagan's murder, revealing his plan to burn the vehicle to destroy evidence.
Within hours, the crime lab identified the DNA as belonging to Brian Lee Golsby, a registered sex offender. The DNA match, combined with the gas station footage, provided compelling evidence against him.
Evidence Gathering
The investigation began when a disturbing discovery was made at Scioto Grove Metro Park. A 911 caller reported finding a female body in the field, which investigators confirmed was a woman in her 20s with two gunshot wounds to the head. This unusual crime shocked the Grove City community, as such incidents rarely occur in the area.
Detectives connected the case to a missing person report from Columbus Police. The victim was identified as Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University psychology student nearing graduation. Security footage became crucial evidence, showing Reagan leaving her restaurant job in downtown Columbus before her abduction.
Camera footage revealed the sequence of events following the kidnapping. The perpetrator forced Reagan to drive to multiple ATMs in an attempt to withdraw cash, succeeding in obtaining about $60 from one location. Surveillance captured them at a gas station, though the quality was poor due to weather conditions and distance from the camera.
The investigation progressed rapidly with two key discoveries:
Cigarette butts found in Reagan's car (she didn't smoke or allow smoking)
A gas can purchased after the murder, likely intended to burn evidence
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation prioritized DNA testing of the cigarettes, expediting the process to assist the case. License plate readers also provided valuable data by tracking Reagan's vehicle movements after the abduction.
Surveillance from a Speedway gas station showed the suspect purchasing the gas can approximately 30 minutes after the estimated time of Reagan's murder. This video evidence, combined with DNA results from the cigarettes, led investigators to identify Brian Lee Golsby, a registered sex offender, as the prime suspect.
The murder weapon, a revolver, was recovered from a storm sewer. Forensic testing confirmed this gun fired the bullets retrieved during the investigation. This discovery significantly strengthened the case, as murder weapons are rarely found in homicide investigations.
The evidence painted a clear picture of a calculated execution. The suspect forced Reagan to exit her vehicle and remove her clothing before shooting her in the head. The brutality of the crime and the methodical attempts to destroy evidence demonstrated the premeditated nature of this tragic incident.
Crime Scene Investigation
The investigation began with a disturbing 911 call reporting a body at Scioto Grove Metro Park. The caller, hesitant to approach, described seeing what appeared to be a female with blood visible and an arm covering her face. Police instructed the caller to keep distance to preserve the potential crime scene.
Detective Bureau personnel confirmed the victim was a female in her 20s, found unclothed in a field with two apparent gunshot wounds to the head. This discovery was unusually violent for Grove City, Ohio, shocking everyone involved in the investigation.
Within an hour of beginning their work, investigators received information that Columbus Police were processing a missing person report. The body was later identified as Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student who had disappeared after leaving her restaurant job in downtown Columbus.
Surveillance footage provided crucial timeline evidence. Videos showed Reagan leaving work without anyone visibly following her. Additional footage captured her vehicle at multiple locations:
Chase Bank ATM (first attempt to withdraw cash)
Huntington Bank ATM (second unsuccessful withdrawal attempt)
A dark alley (where the vehicle remained stationary for approximately 12 minutes)
Chase Bank ATM again (where $60 was successfully withdrawn)
Gas station (parked at the furthest pump during rainy, snowy conditions)
The first significant break came through a license plate reader that located Reagan's car. Investigators found scorched marks on the front seat and cigarettes inside the vehicle—notable because family and friends confirmed Reagan didn't smoke and prohibited smoking in her car.
The cigarette evidence was immediately sent to Ohio BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) for expedited DNA testing. Meanwhile, detectives traced a gas can found in the trunk to a nearby Speedway station, where security footage showed a man purchasing it approximately 30 minutes after Reagan's estimated time of death.
Within hours, the crime lab returned DNA results from the cigarettes, identifying a registered sex offender named Brian Lee Golsby. The evidence indicated he had forced Reagan to drive to various locations before taking her to the park, where he executed her with shots to the head. The murder weapon, a revolver, was later recovered from a storm sewer.
Forensic analysis confirmed that bullets recovered from the scene had been fired from this weapon. The comprehensive collection of video evidence, DNA findings, and ballistic matching proved essential in building the case against the perpetrator.
Victim Identification
The investigation into the missing Ohio State University student began with a disturbing 911 call about a body discovered at Scioto Grove Metro Park. The caller, clearly distressed, described finding what appeared to be a female body with blood visible and the arm covering the face. Law enforcement responded promptly, confirming the victim was a female in her 20s with two apparent gunshot wounds to the head, unclothed and lying in a field.
Detective Bureau personnel at the scene received notification approximately an hour into their investigation that Columbus Police were taking a missing person report. The body was subsequently identified as Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student who had disappeared after leaving her job at a restaurant in downtown Columbus.
Reagan was a Psychology major who was preparing to graduate and continue in her chosen field. She had been dedicated to Ohio State, not even applying to other colleges, and had enjoyed her time at the university until the night of her abduction. Her disappearance and murder sent shockwaves through the community, creating fear among students and residents who could easily imagine the victim being someone they knew.
The last confirmed sighting of Reagan alive came from video footage showing her leaving work at Bodega restaurant in downtown Columbus. The footage showed nothing immediately suspicious - no one following her out of the establishment or stalking her from nearby windows. This suggests the perpetrator likely took her by surprise during her walk.
Security cameras captured crucial moments of the abduction aftermath. The perpetrator forced Reagan to drive to multiple ATMs attempting to withdraw cash, first at a Chase bank where the attempt failed, then at a Huntington Bank with similar results. During their third attempt back at the original Chase location, she successfully withdrew approximately $60. The pair was also recorded at a gas station, though the footage was of poor quality due to weather conditions and distance from the camera.
Following the collection of evidence, investigators discovered cigarettes in Reagan's vehicle - significant because friends and family confirmed she did not smoke and prohibited smoking in her car. These cigarettes were rushed to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for priority DNA testing, which provided crucial evidence. Additionally, security footage from a Speedway gas station showing the purchase of a gas can found in Reagan's trunk offered investigators another vital lead.
The DNA results from the cigarettes matched a registered sex offender named Brian Lee Golsby, who was also identified as the same individual captured on the gas station surveillance footage purchasing the gas can.
Law enforcement's ability to track the vehicle movements through license plate readers, combined with forensic evidence and surveillance footage, created a timeline of the crime and ultimately led to the identification of the perpetrator.
Suspect Identification and Arrest
The investigation into Reagan's murder gained momentum when police discovered her abandoned car. The vehicle showed evidence of attempted destruction, with scorch marks on the front seat suggesting someone had tried to burn it. Investigators found cigarette butts inside the car, which family members confirmed was unusual as Reagan didn't smoke and prohibited smoking in her vehicle.
These cigarettes became crucial evidence. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) prioritized the case, essentially shutting down their lab to process the DNA samples quickly. Meanwhile, detectives traced a gas can found in the trunk to a nearby Speedway station.
Surveillance footage from the gas station revealed a man purchasing the exact gas can approximately 30 minutes after Reagan's estimated time of death. This video provided investigators with a clear image of the suspect, suggesting he planned to destroy evidence by burning the vehicle.
Within hours, BCI contacted investigators with stunning news: the DNA from the cigarettes matched a registered sex offender named Brian Lee Golsby. This DNA match, combined with the Speedway surveillance footage, gave authorities the evidence needed to identify their prime suspect.
A license plate reader connected to a police database had also detected Reagan's car, providing additional timeline information that helped piece together the crime. When confronted, Golsby attempted to present a different version of events than what the evidence suggested.
The murder weapon, a revolver, was recovered from a storm sewer. Ballistics testing confirmed it was the same gun used in Reagan's execution-style killing, with an expert concluding that "the two fired bullets that were submitted were fired from this revolver."
With overwhelming physical evidence including DNA, surveillance footage, the murder weapon, and electronic records from ATMs, investigators built a solid case against Golsby for the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of Reagan Tokes.
Court Proceedings
The trial unfolded with compelling evidence presented against the defendant. DNA analysis from cigarettes found in Reagan's car became a crucial element in the case, as investigators confirmed Reagan was not a smoker and never allowed smoking in her vehicle. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) prioritized this case, essentially shutting down their lab to expedite the DNA testing, which produced results within hours.
Surveillance footage played a significant role in the prosecution's case. Videos showed the victim at various locations during her final hours, including two ATM visits where she was forced to attempt withdrawals. At the second ATM, she successfully withdrew $60.
Forensic evidence was particularly damning. The murder weapon, a revolver, was recovered from a storm sewer. A ballistics expert testified: "I was able to conclude the two fired bullets that were submitted were fired from this revolver." This rare recovery of the actual murder weapon strengthened the prosecution's case substantially.
The defendant's post-crime activities were documented on video. Footage from a Speedway gas station showed him purchasing a gas can approximately 30 minutes after the estimated time of Reagan's murder. Investigators found this same gas can in the trunk of Reagan's car, along with scorch marks on the front seat, suggesting an attempted arson to destroy evidence.
The jury received extensive instructions before deliberation. The prosecution's closing statement included a direct appeal: "I'm standing before you now asking each of you to put pen to paper and return a verdict." The court proceedings culminated with the jury reaching their decision.
Community Impact
The tragic death of Reagan Tokes sent shockwaves through both the Ohio State University campus and the broader Columbus community. Students expressed heightened concerns about their personal safety following the incident, with many voicing fears about traveling alone. "It scares me to go out alone now. Are they going to take me like they took her?" became a common sentiment among students.
The case particularly resonated with many people who could envision their own loved ones in similar circumstances. Parents, siblings, and friends throughout the community found the random and violent nature of the crime deeply disturbing. The fact that Reagan was abducted shortly after leaving her workplace in downtown Columbus amplified concerns about everyday safety.
Reagan was deeply connected to Ohio State University, having been dedicated to the institution from the beginning of her academic journey. As a Psychology major approaching graduation, she had clear plans to continue in her chosen field. Her tragic murder cut short what promised to be a bright future, leaving a void in both the university and local community.
The memorial service at Maumee United Methodist Church drew large numbers of family members and friends, highlighting Reagan's impact on those who knew her. The gathering represented a community united in grief, attempting to process an unimaginable loss that struck at the heart of their sense of security.
![Image description: memorial service at Maumee United Methodist Church]
Background Details
The case unfolded on a cold February night in 2025 when a 911 call reported a body discovered at Scioto Grove Metro Park. Detectives arrived to find a female in her 20s, unclothed, with two gunshot wounds to the head. The victim was later identified as Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University Psychology major nearing graduation.
Security footage captured Reagan leaving her job at a restaurant in downtown Columbus. Shortly after, she was abducted at gunpoint. The perpetrator forced her to drive to multiple ATMs attempting to withdraw cash, initially unsuccessful before finally obtaining $60. They subsequently stopped for gas, with the assailant positioning the vehicle at the furthest pump from security cameras.
The attacker drove Reagan to a secluded area of the Metro Park where he ordered her to exit the vehicle, remove her clothing, and walk forward. Evidence suggests he then shot her in the back of the head before administering a second shot to her temple at close range.
Investigators found Reagan's abandoned vehicle showing signs of an attempted burning. Two cigarettes discovered in the car provided crucial evidence, as family confirmed Reagan didn't smoke or allow smoking in her vehicle. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation expedited DNA testing on these items.
Additional evidence came from a gas can found in the trunk, which investigators traced to a nearby Speedway station. Security footage from the gas station showed the suspect purchasing the container approximately 30 minutes after the estimated time of Reagan's murder, suggesting plans to destroy evidence by burning the car.
The DNA results from the cigarettes matched a registered sex offender named Brian Lee Golsby, who was also the same individual captured on the gas station footage. This evidence quickly led to his arrest and subsequent trial for the murder of Reagan Tokes.
Final Statements
The tragic case of Reagan Tokes deeply affected the entire community. As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement moved swiftly to identify the perpetrator. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation prioritized this case, essentially halting other work to process crucial DNA evidence from cigarettes found in Reagan's car—items that her family confirmed she would never allow in her vehicle.
Security cameras proved invaluable to investigators. Footage captured the suspect purchasing a gas can at Speedway shortly after Reagan's murder, suggesting his intent to burn her car and destroy evidence. This visual identification, combined with the expedited DNA analysis, led authorities to Brian Lee Golsby, a registered sex offender.
The evidence against Golsby was substantial. Beyond the DNA match and video footage, investigators recovered the murder weapon from a storm sewer—an uncommon and significant find in homicide cases. Forensic analysis confirmed this revolver fired the bullets recovered from the scene.
Reagan's murder sent shockwaves through Columbus, particularly affecting the Ohio State University community where she had been a psychology major approaching graduation. The seemingly random nature of the crime—occurring as she simply walked to her car after work—heightened fears among students and residents alike.
This case underscores the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities. What began as a missing person report transformed into a parent's worst nightmare, leaving behind profound grief and important questions about safety in public spaces.
