Ramon Benton, an 18-year-old male from Cincinnati, OH, tragically lost his life on April 23, 2020, due to a fatal shooting in Westwood. Police were called to Ferncrest Court off of Gobel Avenue around 7 p.m. that evening, where they found Benton and another male victim shot. Both victims were rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where Benton succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, Cincinnati Police arrested two suspects, Rakim Smith, 24, and Rakeym Owens, 18,
early the next morning. Both were charged with murder and felonious assault. Surveillance video showed Smith and Owens with Benton and the other victim near the time of the shooting. The suspects were found near the scene and taken into custody.
The case proceeded to court, where Smith and Owens pleaded not guilty to the charges. Assistant Prosecutor David Wood mentioned that there was surveillance footage linking the suspects to the crime, and the judge set a $1.5 million bond for each suspect.
The investigation into Ramon Benton's death revealed that Smith had prior convictions for drugs, weapons, and assault in Hamilton County. Despite the arrests and ongoing legal proceedings, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Ramon Benton's death has left a significant impact on his community, and the pursuit of justice continues as the legal process unfolds.
