Grand Jury Declines to Indict Columbus Officers in Fatal Shooting

Published on April 10, 2026

COLUMBUS, OH -- This week, a Franklin County Grand Jury completed its review of the fatal shooting of Jerry Smith by on-duty Columbus police officers.

The Grand Jury voted not to issue an indictment on Thursday. Therefore, no charges have been filed with the Clerk of Courts related to this incident.

Background

On May 19, 2025, Columbus Police Officers responded to two 911 calls regarding a possible domestic violence situation at 4482 Hampton Woods Court. The domestic violence situation involved Jerry Smith, 38, and his girlfriend.

Smith had been drinking that night. He had possession of a 9 mm handgun, which he was using to assault his girlfriend. 

When patrol officers arrived at the apartment, they heard gunshots.  As a result, SWAT was called to the scene. Smith barricaded himself inside with a hostage and refused to surrender.

A negotiator repeatedly tried to call Smith and his girlfriend, but many of the calls were disconnected.  The negotiator tried to de-escalate the situation for more than an hour. While SWAT was on scene, additional gunshots were fired from the residence.

Eventually, Smith moved towards the front door of the residence and in the direction of numerous officers with a firearm in his hand. The two officers discharged their firearms and struck Smith, critically injuring him. Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene.          

Office Policy on Officer-Involved Fatalities

Since 1980, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office has maintained a policy of presenting all cases involving fatal use of force by on-duty law enforcement officers to a Grand Jury. This longstanding practice ensures that an independent panel of citizens evaluates the circumstances surrounding these critical incidents.

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