Earl Matthew Simmons, a 54-year-old African American man from Columbus, OH, tragically died on March 26, 2021. Simmons was shot and killed while attempting to break up a fight on Schenley Drive. Witnesses reported that multiple shots were fired during the altercation, and Simmons was hit by one of the bullets. He was taken to Grant Medical Center but was later pronounced dead.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., and police found approximately 40 shell casings at the scene.
Simmons' family has described him as a loving father of five who always put others before himself. His cousin, Ted Crome, said, "He would give you his very last - he was just that type of person."
In connection with Simmons' death, two men, Alec Roberts and William Roberts, were indicted on murder charges. Alec Roberts, 53, faced two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, discharging a firearm into a habitation or school, and having a weapon under disability. William Roberts, 32, was indicted on aggravated burglary, murder, and having a weapon under disability. Alec Roberts turned himself in and was arrested, while William Roberts was already incarcerated on unrelated charges.
The investigation into Simmons' death is ongoing, and the family continues to seek justice for their loved one. The Columbus Police Department and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Simmons' death has left a significant impact on his family and community, who remember him as a caring and selfless individual. His mother, Betty Williams, expressed the family's pain and the difficulty of losing two children in such a short period. The family hopes for closure and justice in the case.
