Christian Blake Smith was a 15-year-old from Barberton, Ohio who died on August 9, 2018, after an accidental shooting. On that day he and a 19-year-old friend, Javen D. Foster, were reportedly playing with a stolen gun at a friend’s house on 27th Street Northwest in Akron when the weapon discharged. Christian was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General and later died of his injuries.

Foster was charged with reckless homicide, receiving stolen property, and having a weapon under a disability. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in prison. Christian is remembered by his mother Rachelle Owens, his uncle, and others who described his vibrant personality; family members spoke at sentencing and urged Foster to make positive changes while incarcerated.

If anyone knew Christian, the places he spent time, or has information about the events that day, please share what you know.