Columbus Police Investigate Murder After Hit-and-Run Leads to Fatal Discovery

Staff Report

A hit-and-run investigation on Monday evening led Columbus police to a nearby apartment, where officers discovered a 22-year-old woman dead from multiple stab wounds, authorities said.

Officers were first called to the 3000 block of Williams Road, at Summit Pointe Apartments, around 5:28 p.m. on Apr. 28, following reports of a white SUV crashing into a parked vehicle and fleeing the scene.

While officers were investigating the crash, they received information that a nearby resident, later identified as Abigail Cadoura, had not responded to family members and had missed scheduled plans. Cadoura, who was known to drive a white SUV, was the registered resident of a unit in the apartment complex, police said.

During a welfare check, officers entered the apartment and found Cadoura dead with multiple stab wounds. The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit responded and is leading the investigation.

Later that day, the missing white SUV was located in Banks County, Georgia. Deputies there attempted a traffic stop, which led to a pursuit and subsequent crash. The driver, 26-year-old Luke Mercardante, was taken into custody at the scene. He is charged with murder and theft by taking a motor vehicle, and remains in custody in Banks County.

Investigators confirmed that Cadoura and Mercardante had been in an on-and-off relationship.

The case remains an active investigation, police said.

For more information, contact the Columbus Police Department’s Public Affairs Office at (706) 225-4462.