In a senseless act of violence that began over a children's football game, 18-year-old Ezekiel Smith was shot and killed on May 23, 2018, in the Smokecreek Mobile Home Park in unincorporated Snellville, Georgia. The tragic chain of events started with an argument between Robert Jennings, 33, and a 16-year-old over a football that several young children, including Smith's siblings, were playing with.
The initial dispute escalated when Jennings produced a handgun, threatened the
16-year-old, and fired a warning shot into the air before leaving. Later that day, Smith, the 16-year-old, and a group of others went to Jennings' home to confront him. However, Jennings and his nephews had already driven to Smith's residence. Upon their return, Jennings confronted the group, brandishing his firearm. He then pistol-whipped the 16-year-old, causing the gun to discharge without hitting anyone.
In response, Ezekiel Smith drew his own handgun to protect his younger brother, unaware that it was not loaded. Seeing Smith's weapon, Jennings opened fire, striking him in the foot, neck, and back. Smith was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Robert Jennings fled the scene but turned himself in to the Gwinnett County Police two days later. He was charged with multiple felonies, including murder. During his trial, Jennings claimed he acted in self-defense. The jury acquitted him of malice murder but found him guilty of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of aggravated assault, and three weapons charges. In March 2020, a Gwinnett County Superior Court judge sentenced Robert Jennings to 40 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation for his role in the death of Ezekiel Smith.
