An altercation at a Kroger grocery store in Columbus, Ohio, on December 6, 2023, led to the arrest of three teenagers following the death of Donnie Smith, aged 53. The suspects, 18-year-old Dionta Davon Hughes, 19-year-old Jamarion Fredrae Evans-Bennett, and 17-year-old Jayden Agee, are accused in Smith’s murder.
The situation reportedly began inside the Kroger store, with witnesses noting a dispute between Smith and the teenagers. Security personnel attempted to defuse the situation, but it escalated outside. Smith was found critically injured near the pharmacy, later dying from his injuries on December 20, 2023.
Multiple witnesses confirmed that the teenagers appeared to be enjoying themselves during the assault, seen laughing at the scene. They only stopped the vicious beating and kicking after a bystander with a gun intervened.
A friend with Smith at the time described the suspects as seeking confrontation.
The Columbus police department’s investigation led to the apprehension of the three teenagers. Hughes and Evans-Bennett are detained with a $1 million bond each, while Agee awaits a decision on being tried as an adult. Police are continuing their investigation, seeking additional information.
Smith, a father to a 15-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter, was remembered by his long-term partner, Nicole Evans, as an extraordinary father and individual. His death has profoundly impacted his family and the wider community.
This incident has brought up issues of safety and public violence. The Columbus Police are focusing on gathering evidence and witness statements to clarify the sequence of events.
The incident has also sparked a dialogue about youth violence and legal proceedings, especially concerning the decision on trying the 17-year-old suspect as an adult, which could significantly affect the legal case.
