A 44-year-old woman was found dead inside her home in the Italian Village neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio early Saturday morning. According to police, Tiffany Creech suffered from bodily trauma caused by blunt force and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Court records obtained by ABC 6 reveal a history of domestic violence between Creech and her boyfriend, Michael Johnson, who has been charged with murder in connection with her death. In June 2022, Johnson allegedly repeatedly punched Creech in the head with a closed fist, causing bleeding, bruising, and swelling to her face and arm.
Johnson initially faced charges including domestic violence, assault, aggravated menacing, and domestic violence by threat. However, those charges were later amended, and he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal mischief in August 2022.
Creech's family members described her as funny, caring, and deeply connected to them. Her sister, Heather Creech, said that Tiffany became increasingly isolated from the family during the relationship and was afraid to leave Johnson due to his threats.
Police say a juvenile victim who was inside the home suffered injuries and is recovering at a local hospital. Johnson remains in the Franklin County jail on charges including murder, aggravated menacing, and domestic violence. His next court date is Monday.
The incident has sparked concerns about domestic violence and the need for greater attention to warning signs. Heather Creech plans to attend every hearing and advocate for victims of domestic violence in her sister's memory.
**Background**
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in four women will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. The organization provides resources and support for survivors of domestic abuse, including a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "BEGIN" or "START" to 88788.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident and has released few details about the case.