A Franklin County Grand Jury decided on April 15 not to indict two Columbus police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jerry Smith. As a result, no charges have been filed with the Clerk of Courts related to this incident.
The case stems from an event on May 19, 2025, when Columbus Police responded to two emergency calls about a possible domestic violence situation at 4482 Hampton Woods Court involving Jerry Smith and his girlfriend. According to the information released, Smith had been drinking and was armed with a handgun he used during the assault.
When patrol officers arrived at the scene, they heard gunshots coming from inside the apartment. SWAT was called after Smith barricaded himself inside with a hostage and refused repeated requests to surrender. Negotiators attempted for over an hour to de-escalate the situation by calling both Smith and his girlfriend, but many calls were disconnected. During this standoff, more gunshots were fired from within the residence.
Eventually, authorities said that Smith moved toward the front door holding a firearm in view of several officers. The two officers discharged their weapons, striking and critically injuring Smith. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Since 1980, it has been standard policy for all cases involving fatal use of force by on-duty law enforcement in Franklin County to be presented before a Grand Jury for independent review by citizens.
