Derek E. Smith, 31, of Cincinnati was fatally shot on October 8, 2021 at Brandy’s Lounge in the Roselawn neighborhood. Smith, described as a skilled carpenter and a devoted father, was struck twice in the head in what local officials labeled an execution-style shooting. The shooter reportedly jumped over a patio fence to reach the area where Smith was standing; the two men were not known to each other.

The attack occurred amid heightened concern for safety at Brandy’s Lounge after an earlier deadly shooting there in May 2021. Family and friends called for justice and for changes to prevent further violence. Prosecutors said the shooting appeared racially motivated; no additional hate crime charges were announced at the time.

Did anyone who knew Derek or who frequented Brandy’s Lounge around that time see or hear anything that could help explain why he was targeted?