On July 11, 2020, 23-year-old Dariene Smith, a Black woman from Columbus, OH, tragically lost her life in a shooting incident outside Callahan's nightclub in downtown Columbus. The incident occurred around 2:25 a.m. when a fight broke out between two men, leading to gunfire. Smith and another bystander were caught in the crossfire while trying to flee the scene.
They were both shot and taken to OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, where Smith was later transferred to Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries at 9:28 a.m.
Following the incident, 18-year-old Anthony Humphrey Jr. was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Smith's death. Humphrey, who was involved in the initial altercation, allegedly fired the shots that killed Smith. He was held in the Franklin County jail while awaiting trial. In April 2024, Humphrey pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of felonious assault, receiving a sentence of at least 20 years in prison.
The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances of Smith's death and the subsequent legal proceedings. Smith's family, including her two young children, have been vocal about seeking justice for her loss. The community and authorities have continued to work towards addressing the violence and ensuring accountability for such tragic incidents.
Smith's death marked the 65th homicide in Columbus for the year 2020, highlighting the ongoing challenges the city faces with gun violence. The case also underscored the importance of community support and the need for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
