On March 30, 2022 at approximately, 6:49PM, the Brown County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from 5040 State Right 286, Mount Orab, Ohio, that consisted of an open line with screaming in the background but no specific information was provided as the caller ceased to speak. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office responded to that location and the first arriving deputy was advised by witnesses that a male subject, later identified as Jay Smith, date of birth 04/28/1945, who resides at 3836 Zinsle Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, had been shot. Deputy M. Ervin located a camper beside residence and entered the camper where he located a male subject who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen area. Deputy Ervin requested a life squad to respond.
At this time, the witnesses advised Deputy Ervin that the Suspect, later identified as Sherman Smith IV, date of birth of 07/15/1957, who resides at 5040 State Route 286, Mount Orab, Ohio had shot the Victim. Deputy Ervin immediately placed the Suspect under arrest and secured him in his marked patrol vehicle. At this time, the life squad arrived and provided immediate life saving measures. The life squad transported the Victim to Clermont Mercy Hospital but the Victim died in route to the hospital.
The Suspect was interviewed and confessed to shooting the Victim, Jay Smith. The Suspect also attempted to shoot Ervin Smith, date of birth of 06/23/1948, who resides at 4992 State Route 286, Mount Orab, Ohio. The Suspect fired one round at Ervin Smith but missed. The Suspect, Sherman Smith IV is the Nephew of both Jay Smith and Ervin Smith.
Sherman Smith IV has been charged with aggravated murder and attempted murder. He is currently being held at the Brown County Jail. Other charges may be filed as a result of the ongoing investigation into this incident.
