Ernest Alvin Smith Jr., 51, was shot and killed on April 17, 2025, during an altercation with his cousin on Begonia Way in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. Known as Ernie and the owner of Just Bones Left BBQ, Smith was a lifelong Hobe Sound resident whose barbecue stand made him a familiar figure in the area.

The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. and deputies found 45-year-old Roderick Bertram Dames at the scene. Dames was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and is being held at the Martin County Jail without bond. Investigators continue to interview witnesses and review security footage to clarify what led to the confrontation.

Smith is survived by his wife, Lane’ Jackson Smith, children and sister Gail Horner. The community has left tributes at his former business. Does anyone have information about the Banner Lake area that could help piece together what happened that evening?