Antonio Rayshawn Smith, a 34-year-old Black man from Cincinnati, Ohio, was killed in a shooting in the spring of 2023. Known to some as "T.O.," he was caught in the crossfire of a sudden and violent dispute.
The incident occurred on the night of Monday, May 15, 2023, in the parking lot of the Budget Host Town Center Motel on Central Parkway. Around 10:40 p.m., a witness said a black pickup truck pulled into the lot.
The man driving the truck reportedly began yelling at an unknown man who was with Antonio Smith’s group, saying, "You look like real sketchy my guy." The argument quickly escalated, and both the man in the truck and the other man drew guns and exchanged fire.
During the shootout, Antonio Smith was struck by multiple bullets. When Cincinnati police officers arrived, they found him suffering from his wounds. He was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office later confirmed his identity. Two other people were also injured during the incident and took themselves to a local hospital for treatment.
The Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit launched an investigation into the killing. Nine days later, on May 24, 2023, authorities arrested a suspect, identified as 35-year-old Demarco Smith, on an open murder warrant for his involvement in Antonio Smith's death.
Demarco Smith was subsequently tried and convicted of murder. He was sentenced to serve 45 years to life in prison, and the case is now considered closed.
