The specter of violence over a perceived disrespect in a rap video has resurfaced with the indictment of 24-year-old Ronell Scott, charged with the murder of 20-year-old musician TreShawn Smith in what prosecutors are describing as a retaliatory action, Local 12 reports.
Scott faces charges of purposeful murder, felony murder, felonious assault, and aggravated murder in connection with the shooting that took place on Elm Street in Lockland, where Smith was found shot in the head while hanging out with friends at a fountain, WLWT reported. The allegations stem from a feud between two groups over rap videos that reportedly involved mutual disrespect. After a thorough investigation, even though it's been years since the tragedy, authorities have linked the motive directly to the creative content of those videos.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich, in a statement obtained by FOX19 NOW, called the killings "senseless," and emphasized that "Nothing, especially a perceived slight in a rap video, is worth killing over." Meanwhile, the victim's mother, Evvie Smith, has been vocal in her grief, previously asserting, "No parent should have to bury their child... No parent should have to cremate their child. No parent should have to put their child to rest. It’s not right and it’s not in the order it should go."
Despite the passage of time since the shooting on October 22, 2022, the pursuit of justice for Smith has not diminished. As of now, Scott has yet to be apprehended, though a warrant for his arrest remains active and if convicted of the charges, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
