Adrian Latwan Smith Sr., a 39-year-old Black man known to friends and family as “Tiko,” was a father of nine and a former Golden Glove boxing champion who worked as a bouncer in his community. His life was cut short on the evening of May 31, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. At approximately 8:26 p.m., several people inside a vehicle opened fire in the parking lot of the Express Beverage store on Lockbourne Road. Adrian was struck by the gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second person was also hit by a bullet but was able to leave the area and call for help.
The investigation into Adrian’s murder led police to uncover a violent and complex criminal enterprise operating in south Columbus. On July 7, 2023, police arrested two men, James Antwan Dukes-Johnson and Michael Anthony Davis, in connection with the shooting. The case expanded, and in December 2023, a Franklin County grand jury returned a 60-count indictment against six people, including Dukes-Johnson and Davis. The indictment charged the group with crimes related to a human trafficking ring that forced women into prostitution to fund narcotics purchases, as well as with the murder of Adrian Smith.
While four of the co-defendants eventually pleaded guilty to various charges, Dukes-Johnson and Davis went to trial. The trial began on April 28, 2025. Prosecutors presented evidence linking the men to both the human trafficking operation and the fatal shooting. On May 8, 2025, a Franklin County jury convicted both James Antwan Dukes-Johnson, then 29, and Michael Anthony Davis, then 22, on numerous felony charges, including aggravated murder, murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, and compelling prostitution.
On June 6, 2025, the two men were sentenced for their crimes. Dukes-Johnson was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 96 years. Davis was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 81 years. Upon their potential release, both will be required to register as sex offenders. Following the sentencing, the Franklin County Prosecutor extended condolences to Adrian’s family, hoping the outcome would bring a measure of justice and peace. As of June 2025, the case is considered closed.
