The arrest of Shavez Hargrave, the second suspect in a deadly east Columbus shooting, marks the latest development in a case that began with an alleged drug deal gone awry on August 21. According to NBC4i, 29-year-old Hargrave was taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with the murder of Remarcus Smith-Heagler, 27, who was shot during what was supposed to be a drug transaction.
The incident, which police say escalated into an attempted robbery, occurred on Cedar Drive in the Pine Hills neighborhood. Dewarin Powell, the first suspect arrested in connection to the murder, faces a $3 million bond. Hargrave, meanwhile, is held on a $1.5 million bond after his arrest and subsequent court appearance on Wednesday, as reported by The Dispatch. Smith-Heagler suffered a gunshot wound during his attempted escape, leading to a vehicle crash and his unfortunate demise two days later in the hospital.
Details from court documents shared by ABC6 explain that both Powell and Hargrave were allegedly involved in setting up the drug deal with Smith-Heagler. The attempt to rob him resulted in the fatal shooting and the crash that occurred in the 5100 block of Cedar Drive near Big Walnut Park.
The case continues as the court proceedings for both Hargrave and Powell progress. Powell is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing on October 21, while Hargrave is set to appear on October 25. Homicide detectives have yet to determine whether it was Powell, Hargrave, or both who fired the shot that killed Smith-Heagler. Their investigation and eventual trial will aim to piece together the events that led to the tragic outcome of what began as an illicit transaction on a quiet Columbus street.
