Aaron S. Smith, 28, was fatally shot on April 1, 2014, on a basketball court at College Hill Park in Dayton, Ohio. The shooting took place in broad daylight with numerous witnesses present. Smith was known as Skittles.

Charles L. Sanders Jr., known as Chucky, was tried for the killing. He was found guilty of murder, felonious assault, and having weapons under disability. The prosecution said Sanders, embarrassed after being teased for losing a 1-on-1 game to a friend of Smith’s, shot Smith multiple times and delivered a final shot to the head. Sanders testified he acted in self-defense and claimed Smith had a weapon, but the court found that testimony false. He was sentenced to 18 years to life and ordered to pay court costs and restitution for Smith’s funeral; Sanders has stated he will appeal.

Smith’s family and friends remembered him fondly, and his mother Mary spoke of sorrow and a burning sense of justice at sentencing. The case renewed local discussion about gun violence and the availability of constructive activities for young people.