A weekend celebration on Put-in-Bay ended in tragedy on July 23, 2026, when 39-year-old Robert Russell of Chesterland, Ohio, was shot and killed at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille. Russell was on the island with his wife, Lindsay, for his 40th birthday the next day; family members say there was no altercation before he excused himself to use the restroom and was then shot multiple times. First responders attempted life-saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Multiple agencies responded and a manhunt led to the arrest of 21-year-old Colton Z. Smith of Brownstown, Michigan, at about 3:40 a.m. on the island. Authorities say Russell and Smith did not appear to know each other and no motive has been disclosed. Mr. Ed’s closed for a day during the investigation and issued condolences to the Russell family.

Smith was charged with murder with a firearm specification and later indicted on multiple counts, including murder, tampering with evidence, and weapons-related charges; he pleaded not guilty at arraignment and remains in custody. Reports say much of the incident was captured on video. Does anyone who was on Put-in-Bay that night have information that could help fill gaps in the timeline?