On December 4, 2017, Quentin William Smith, a 17-year-old male from Columbus, Ohio, was tragically killed in a shooting incident. The event unfolded in the Hilltop area of Columbus, where police were initially called to the 200 block of S. Eureka Avenue at approximately 9:28 a.m. in response to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers determined that the shooting had actually occurred in the 200 block of S. Wayne Avenue, where an abandoned silver SUV was found running.
Shortly thereafter, Quentin William Smith was discovered behind a residence in the 100 block of S. Wayne Avenue, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Mount Carmel West Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to police reports, Smith was inside a vehicle with three other individuals when at least two suspects opened fire on them. The assailants fled the scene in a vehicle described as possibly being a Honda Civic with tinted windows. The gunfire also struck a nearby residence at 215 S. Wayne Avenue, leaving several bullet holes in its exterior. When officers attempted to make contact with the occupants of the home, they received no response. Upon entering the residence, they discovered 33-year-old Severen T. Clayborn, who had been struck by a stray bullet while sleeping inside. Clayborn was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation, authorities arrested 22-year-old Devon Dreshawn Bias in connection with the shooting. Bias was charged with two counts of murder. Police also apprehended another male suspect, though his identity was withheld pending further investigations. Law enforcement officials urged anyone with additional information regarding the homicides to contact the Columbus Police Department's Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.
Smith’s death was a devastating loss for his family and community. His obituary noted that he was born on December 4, 2001, and passed away on his 17th birthday. Funeral arrangements were handled by Jerry Spears Funeral Home in Columbus, with the family requesting donations to assist with funeral expenses. The tragic circumstances surrounding his death underscored the ongoing concerns about gun violence in the area, leaving loved ones and residents mourning the senseless loss of a young life.
