Three teenagers from Ohio are facing murder charges following their alleged involvement in a fatal assault on a father outside a Kroger supermarket in Columbus earlier this month. The incident, which took place on the evening of December 6, reportedly began with a dispute between the teenagers and other customers inside the store on South High Street.
The accused, identified as 19-year-old Jamarion Fredrae Evans-Bennett, 18-year-old Dionta Davon Hughes, and a 17-year-old male, were asked to leave the store by security personnel. However, they allegedly lay in wait for 53-year-old Donald “Donnie” Smith, Jr. to leave the store and then attacked him.
Eyewitnesses reported that the accused continued to assault Smith, who was on the ground, with kicks, punches, and stomps. They were reportedly seen “laughing and enjoying themselves” during the attack. The assault was only halted when an armed bystander intervened and shouted at the attackers to stop. The accused then fled the scene, leaving Smith unconscious and bleeding from severe head injuries.
Smith was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and underwent brain surgery. Unfortunately, he did not survive his injuries. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by Nicole Evans, Smith’s longtime partner and mother of their two children, to cover funeral expenses as Smith did not have insurance. Evans described the assault as a “random act of violence” and expressed her grief over the loss of Smith, who was known as a loving father.
Evans-Bennett and Hughes were apprehended on Wednesday, with their arraignments set for Thursday. The third suspect, a minor, was also arrested on the same day, but it remains unclear whether he will be charged as an adult.
Smith, who passed away a week before Christmas, was remembered by his family as a dedicated father and sports enthusiast. His tragic death has left his children and loved ones in a state of shock and grief.
This case underscores the potential for senseless violence in public spaces and the devastating impact it can have on the victims’ families. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the accused are set to face their charges in court.