Ronald J. Smith, a 30-year-old resident of Columbus, Ohio, was fatally shot on March 10, 2023, in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus. The incident occurred around 6:25 p.m. on the 300 block of South Warren Avenue. Smith was found with gunshot wounds at the scene and was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Smith succumbed to his injuries three days later, on March 13, 2023.
The Columbus Police Department initially classified the incident as a robbery, suggesting that the shooting may have occurred during a criminal altercation.
Smith was remembered as a dog lover who enjoyed music and getting tattoos. He was also an avid sports fan, supporting the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State University Buckeyes. His other interests included playing chess and basketball.
The investigation into Smith's death progressed quickly, leading to significant developments in the case. On August 17, 2023, approximately five months after the shooting, the Columbus police arrested 23-year-old Anferny Slaughter of Franklinton. Slaughter was charged with murder in connection with Smith's death.
Further developments in the case occurred in December 2023 when a second suspect was apprehended. Kalan Hansard, aged 20, was also arrested and charged with Smith's murder. Hansard was scheduled for arraignment, while Slaughter, who had been indicted for murder in August, was set to appear in common pleas court on January 10, 2024.
It's worth noting that both suspects had prior encounters with the law. Slaughter had previously been charged as a juvenile with delinquency murder for his role in a homicide that occurred in October 2016. However, that charge was later dismissed after Slaughter agreed to testify against his co-defendants. Hansard had been previously indicted for improper handling of a firearm charges in 2021.
The case against both suspects is ongoing, with the Columbus community awaiting further developments in the pursuit of justice for Ronald J. Smith.
