Three teenagers have been arrested for allegedly beating an Ohio father of three to death, according to Columbus police. The incident happened on the evening of Dec. 6 at a Kroger grocery store in Columbus.
The suspects, identified as 18-year-old Dionta Hughes, 19-year-old Jamarion Evans-Bennett, and a 17-year-old minor, were inside the grocery store when they allegedly got into an altercation with other patrons. Security intervened and asked the group to leave, but the fight continued outside the store. The victim, 53-year-old Donnie Smith, was with a group of friends at the time of the incident.
According to a friend of Smith who wished to remain anonymous, the group was “trying to pick on whoever they could.” Charging documents obtained by local station WSYX-TV state that Smith was “unconscious and bleeding from the head due to the beating” and that the suspects were “laughing and enjoying themselves” while assaulting him.
Smith was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition and died two weeks later due to the injuries sustained during the altercation. Columbus police did not provide further details on the extent of his injuries or the cause of death.
This is is Donnie Smith, 53, the father of three, died Monday after he was attacked onDec. 6 outside a Kroger Supermarket
A father of three who died nearly two weeks after attacked and severely beaten outside a Kroger Supermarket.
Jamarion Fredrae Evans-Bennett, 19,
Dionta… pic.twitter.com/ObJGr4GvgK— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) December 21, 2023
The suspects were apprehended after homicide detectives launched an investigation into the incident. Hughes and Evans-Bennett were taken into custody, and the 17-year-old minor, identified only as Jayden Agee, was also arrested on murder charges.
Photos of Hughes and Evans-Bennett were released to the public, but due to Agee’s status as a minor, his identity was not disclosed. Police did not provide information on the motive for the attack or how they were able to link the suspects to the crime.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Columbus police department is asking anyone with information to come forward. This tragic incident has left the community in shock, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Smith’s family.
Donald “Donnie” Smith Jr. was ambushed and beaten to death outside of a Columbus, Ohio grocery store earlier this month. The assailants ran away after they were confronted by a good guy with a gun, but Smith later died from injuries to his head.
Suspects Dionta Hughes, 18,… pic.twitter.com/ieVNtMsXpx
— Expose Them (@ExposeDarkDeeds) December 21, 2023
The news of Smith’s death has sparked outrage and concern among residents, with many calling for justice to be served. Smith’s friends and family described him as a loving and caring father who will be deeply missed. His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the impact of senseless violence on families and communities.
As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to honor Smith’s memory and support his loved ones during this difficult time. The loss of a beloved father, friend, and community member has left a void that will never be filled. The city of Columbus is mourning the loss of a precious life and is hoping for swift justice for Smith and his family.