On February 26, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 5400 block of Kirby Avenue in the Mount Airy neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered 27-year-old Sylvester Lawson III suffering from a gunshot wound inside an apartment complex. Despite life-saving efforts by Cincinnati Fire Department personnel, Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation, authorities identified 32-year-old Dontaevion Smith as a suspect in Lawson's death. On March 29, 2024, nearly a month after the incident, Smith was arrested on an open murder warrant. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault, and two counts of having weapons while under disability. At the time of reporting, Smith was being held at the Hamilton County jail, with a court date yet to be set.
The Cincinnati Police Department's Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lawson's death. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542. The arrest of Smith marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Lawson and his family.
