In the summer of 2014, the city of Memphis was shaken by the violent and untimely death of a beloved local business owner. Kent Allen Smith, a 56-year-old African American man, was a well-respected figure in his community, known for his kindness and generosity. As the owner of the Beverage Center and Midway Liquor on Winchester Road, he was a familiar face to many, often going out of his way to help those in need, including feeding the homeless in the area.
His life, however, was tragically cut short on the morning of July 19, 2014, during an armed robbery at his store.
On that fateful Saturday morning, three men entered Smith's liquor store with the intent to rob him at gunpoint. During the course of the robbery, a struggle ensued, and shots were fired. Smith was struck and fatally wounded. He was rushed to the Regional One Medical Center, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. In the exchange of gunfire, Smith had managed to shoot one of his assailants before they fled the scene in a gold Mercury Marquis.
The investigation into the murder of Kent Smith quickly led law enforcement to three suspects: Ernest Butler, Autry Butler, and Reginald Mall. The getaway car was found abandoned a short distance from the crime scene. One of the suspects, who had sustained a gunshot wound during the robbery, sought medical attention at a fire station in Olive Branch and was subsequently taken into custody. This breakthrough was crucial in identifying all three individuals involved in the heinous crime.
Following their arrests, Ernest Butler, Autry Butler, and Reginald Mall were all charged in connection with the robbery and murder of Kent Smith. Ernest Butler faced charges of first-degree murder in the perpetration of a felony, while Autry Butler and Reginald Mall were charged with accessory after the fact and first-degree murder. The wheels of justice turned, and Ernest Butler was ultimately convicted of first-degree felony murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. For his role in the death of Kent Smith, he was sentenced to life in prison, with an additional fifteen years to be served consecutively for the firearm charge. The other two suspects also faced legal consequences for their involvement in the crime that robbed a community of a cherished member.
