A Columbus murder suspect is claiming through his attorney that he shot his father in self-defense.
Davius Roshard Smith, 20, is accused of murdering his father, Robert E. Smith Jr., on Wednesday afternoon in their home at 169 Temple Cove in Columbus. The victim is Columbus Mayor Robert Smith’s son. The defendant is his grandson.
The defendant turned himself in to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation early Friday, according to his attorney, Rod Ray, of Columbus.
Lowndes County Justice Court Judge Ron Cooke set his bond at $100,000 during a hearing Friday afternoon.
“This is a case of self-defense,” Ray told The Dispatch after the hearing. “Ultimately, the evidence in the case will show that.”
Smith posted bond later Friday afternoon and was released from Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
The defendant, Ray said, is a nursing student at East Mississippi Community College who has “never been in trouble.” He called his client’s situation “surreal,” one he said was made worse by the shooting involving a high-profile local family.
“Any time there’s a death, it’s a tragic situation,” Ray said “…No matter what [the circumstances are], this is still his father. And [the deceased is] still the mayor’s son.
“He’s handling it as best as he can,” he added. “Everywhere you turn, it’s a terrible deal.”
Police responded to the Smiths’ home at about 2:40 p.m. Wednesday and found the victim dead.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant told The Dispatch an autopsy conducted Thursday revealed the victim was shot in the abdomen. He said the bullet evidence was recovered during the autopsy and has been submitted for ballistic examination.
Merchant would not confirm the number of gunshot wounds.
Assistant District Attorney Marc Amos recommended at Friday’s hearing the defendant’s bond be set no higher than $100,000 because the state does not consider him a flight risk or an eminent threat to the public.
A grand jury is expected to hear Smith’s case during the May 2017 term.
Funeral arrangements
Robert E. Smith, Jr.’s funeral arrangements have been set.
Public visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Carter’s Funeral Services, 602 14th St. N. Family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m.
The body will lie in state from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday on the main floor of the Trotter Convention Center, and the funeral service will be held at 11 a.m.
Services are open to the public. Guests should enter the convention center through the main entrance on Fifth Street and be seated by 10:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at St. Paul M.B. Church cemetery. A meal will be held at the convention center after the burial.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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