On October 31, 2017, 26-year-old De Angelo Marquis Smith was shot and killed in southeast Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on the 3300 block of Tradan Drive. Smith was sitting inside a car when he was shot during an apparent robbery attempt. In an effort to escape, Smith attempted to drive away but ultimately crashed the vehicle into a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officers.
Smith's death marked the 111th homicide in Columbus for the year 2017, contributing to a significant spike in the city's homicide rate, which had not seen such high numbers in over a decade. Despite the ongoing investigation by the Columbus Police Homicide Unit, there have been no suspects identified or arrests made in connection with the shooting. The Columbus Police Department continues to seek information from the public in the hopes of solving this case.
The rise in the number of homicides that year sparked discussions about public safety and community-police relations, with city officials expressing concern over the increasing violence. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther addressed the need for improved community engagement and further training for police officers, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and fostering better relations between the police and local communities.
