In February 2018, a domestic incident in Baker, Louisiana, tragically ended the life of 23-year-old Cherish Smith. The young mother of two was accidentally shot and killed by her partner, Rhykem Rogers. The couple, who were raising their two children together and had recently welcomed their second child, were at their McHugh Road home on the evening of the incident.
The events leading to the fatal shooting began after Rogers had gone out for drinks with his mother and brother.
Upon returning home with his brother, an argument erupted between the two siblings. The dispute escalated, and in a moment of anger, Rogers released his brother's pit bull from the backyard and began firing a semi-automatic handgun at the animal as it ran across the street.
Rogers fired four or five rounds in the direction of the dog. Tragically, the bullets missed the intended target and struck Cherish Smith in the stomach. The gunshot wound proved to be fatal. Her partner, Rhykem Rogers, was later arrested in connection with her death.
Ultimately, Rhykem Rogers pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent homicide. In November 2020, more than two years after the tragic event, he was sentenced for his role in Smith's death. The 30-year-old was ordered to serve two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised probation. In addition to the prison sentence and probation, the court also imposed a $5,000 fine. According to his attorney, Rogers and Smith had been planning to get married and he was deeply remorseful for her death.
