Diamond Smith, a 27-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically lost his life on June 5, 2018, in Akron, Ohio. He was fatally shot while attempting to protect his girlfriend during a home invasion at the Springhill Apartments. Two armed men entered the apartment, pushed Smith's girlfriend to the ground, and took an undisclosed amount of money.
Smith heroically chased the intruders from the apartment building, but was shot during the confrontation.
Following the incident, the police launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for Smith's death. The investigation led to the arrest of Christian Pittman and Cenqunn Woods, both 24-year-old males from Akron. Pittman and Woods were charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and murder. Pittman was also charged with tampering with evidence.
In December 2019, a Summit County jury found Pittman guilty of murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and tampering with evidence. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 24 years. Woods pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated robbery and received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
Smith's family has been seeking justice and compensation for their loss. They have raised questions about the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether the tragedy could have been prevented. The Murray Law Firm, representing Smith's family, has suggested that the property owner or management may have failed to provide adequate security measures to protect residents.
The loss of Diamond Smith has left a significant impact on his loved ones, including his young son, Diamond T. Smith Jr. Smith's mother, Lynda Smith, has expressed her grief and the struggle of dealing with the senseless act that took her son's life. Despite the pain, she has shown compassion and forgiveness, urging the judge to impose the maximum penalty on Pittman.
The case has drawn attention to issues of negligent security and the need for property owners to ensure the safety of their residents. Smith's death serves as a reminder of the importance of adequate security measures and the devastating consequences of their absence.
