On October 10, 2017, Ulrich Maurice Smith, age 42, was found suffering from a gunshot wound on East 5th Avenue near the ramp to James Road in Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. when a passerby noticed a man lying partially in the street and alerted emergency services. Upon arrival, Columbus police officers discovered Mr. Smith with a critical gunshot injury. He was transported to a local hospital, but unfortunately, he was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
Ulrich Smith was reportedly walking home from the COTA bus stop when the incident occurred. He left behind a wife and two young children. Authorities have yet to identify the suspect or determine a clear motive for the crime. The Columbus Police Department and Crime Stoppers are offering a cash reward for any information that could lead to an arrest or indictment of the person or people responsible for this crime. Police are actively seeking public assistance to help solve this tragic case and bring closure to Smith's grieving family.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online to aid the ongoing investigation.
