In Columbus, Ohio, a tragic incident has led to the arrest of three teenagers following the death of a local father. The Columbus Police Department reported that the event occurred on the evening of December 6 at a Kroger grocery store, as detailed by WSYX-TV.
The victim, 53-year-old Donnie Smith, was involved in an altercation with the teenagers inside the store. Security personnel intervened, asking the group to leave, but the confrontation escalated outside the store. Smith, a father of three, sustained critical injuries during the encounter and was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A companion of Smith, who was present during the incident, recounted to WSYX that the assailants appeared to be targeting random individuals. According to court documents acquired by the local ABC affiliate, Smith was found unconscious and bleeding profusely from a head injury. Witnesses described the attackers as seemingly amused during the assault.
Two weeks after the assault, Smith passed away, marking a tragic end to the altercation. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a red vehicle. The Columbus Police Department’s homicide detectives have since apprehended 18-year-old Dionta Hughes, 19-year-old Jamarion Evans-Bennett, and 17-year-old Jayden Agee on murder charges. While photographs of Hughes and Evans-Bennett have been circulated, Agee’s image has not been released due to his minor status.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward and contact the Columbus Police Department to assist in the case.