Rasheem Smith, 49, of Bedford, Ohio, was shot and killed on January 3, 2021, in the Bedford Heights City Hall parking lot during an exchange of a five-year-old child between separated parents. Smith was the boyfriend of the child’s mother and had arrived to pick up the boy from his father, Dion Johnson, who held primary custody. An argument between Johnson and Smith escalated and Johnson fired a single shot that struck Smith, killing him.

Police listed the shooting as an ongoing investigation; no arrests, suspects, or litigation have been reported in connection with the death. Smith’s family and the local community were left grieving after the incident.

If anyone witnessed the exchange at the city hall parking lot or has information about what happened that day, please come forward.