Desean Rondel Bonet, an 18-year-old African American male from Columbus, Ohio, tragically lost his life on May 26, 2018. Born on June 27, 1999, in Detroit, Michigan, Desean moved to Columbus at the age of five and became a beloved member of the Bonet family. He was known for his infectious smile, great sense of humor, and strong-minded independence.
Desean was a high school graduate and was interning in the construction field, looking forward to future employment.
The circumstances surrounding Desean's death involved an altercation with Kiez Dangelo Collins, a 21-year-old resident of Columbus. On the morning of May 26, 2018, Collins and Bonet got into a confrontation on Wilson Avenue. According to Collins, Bonet shoved him against the door frame of his home, prompting Collins to fear for his life. In response, Collins pulled out a gun and chased Bonet, firing four shots, three of which struck Bonet in the back as he was running away. Surveillance video captured the incident, showing Collins closing the distance between himself and Bonet while shooting.
Collins was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. During the trial, Collins claimed he acted in self-defense, but the jury rejected this defense, finding him guilty on both counts. Judge Mark Serrott dismissed a count of aggravated murder and one of aggravated robbery due to insufficient evidence. Collins was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years.
The case drew significant attention, with Desean's mother, Yvette Bonet, expressing her grief and seeking justice for her son. She emphasized that Desean's life should not have been taken over such a trivial matter. The court agreed, acknowledging the gravity of Collins' mistake and the impact it had on both families.
In conclusion, Desean Bonet's untimely death resulted from a tragic altercation that led to the conviction and life imprisonment of Kiez Collins. The case highlighted issues of self-defense claims and the devastating consequences of violent confrontations.
