Earl Matthew Simmons, a 54-year-old African American man from Columbus, Ohio, was shot and killed on March 26, 2021, after attempting to break up a fight on Schenley Drive. Witnesses said multiple shots were fired during the altercation; Simmons was struck by one bullet, taken to Grant Medical Center, and later pronounced dead. Police recovered about 40 shell casings at the scene and the incident was reported around 8:30 p.m.

Two men, Alec Roberts and William Roberts, were later indicted in connection with Simmons’ death. Alec Roberts, 53, faced two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, discharging a firearm into a habitation or school, and having a weapon under disability; he turned himself in and was arrested. William Roberts, 32, was indicted on aggravated burglary, murder, and having a weapon under disability and was already incarcerated on unrelated charges. Simmons’ family describe him as a loving father of five and say his loss has been devastating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Department or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.