Robbie Flyte Smythe Jr., a 31-year-old African American man, tragically lost his life on June 8, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Smythe was found shot behind a BP gas station in Spring Grove Village early that morning. He was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center but did not survive. The circumstances surrounding his death indicated that he was the victim of a robbery attempt.
Smythe, who was driving for Lyft and Uber at the time, was known for working late-night and early-morning hours to support his family.
Following Smythe's death, Cincinnati police launched an investigation. Two suspects, 18-year-old Christopher Solomon and 16-year-old Jaden Moermond, were arrested and charged with Smythe's murder. The authorities believe that Smythe was killed during the robbery attempt at the gas station. Solomon and Moermond were charged with aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and receiving stolen property. Moermond was tried as an adult due to the severity of the crime.
The community deeply mourned the loss of Smythe, who was remembered as a loving father of three and a well-known basketball player. His friends and family recalled his kind personality and dedication to his children. The tragic incident left a significant impact on those who knew him, and the legal proceedings against the suspects continued to unfold in the months following his death.
