Man indicted in deadly shooting over rap video feud in hamilton county

CINCINNATI, OHIO — A 24-year-old man has been indicted for the 2022 murder of an aspiring musician, shot in the head in broad daylight over a rap video dispute, Hamilton County officials announced Monday.

Prosecutor Connie Pillich said Ronell Scott faces charges of purposeful murder, felony murder, felonious assault, and aggravated murder in connection with the death of 20-year-old TreShawn Smith. A warrant has been issued for Scott’s arrest, and he could face life in prison if convicted.

Key Points

Ronell Scott, 24, was indicted for the 2022 murder of TreShawn Smith related to a rap video dispute.
Smith was shot in the head while hanging out with friends at a fountain on Elm Street in Lockland.
Authorities said a feud involving disrespectful rap videos led to the fatal shooting.

On October 22, 2022, Smith was spending time with friends near the fountain on Elm Street in Lockland when Scott allegedly drove by, shot him in the head, and fled the scene, officials said. Smith, a musician, was killed in an attack tied to tensions that escalated through rap videos mocking rival groups, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators conducted several interviews over the years before identifying Scott as the suspected shooter. Pillich credited persistent law enforcement efforts for bringing charges forward more than two years after the crime.

Prosecutor condemns violence over music feud

“These killings are senseless,” said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. “Nothing, especially a perceived slight in a rap video, is worth killing over.”

Authorities said the feud that led to Smith’s death involved creating rap videos intended to disrespect opposing groups. The violence, they said, highlights the dangerous escalation that can occur from social media disputes spilling into real-world violence.

Scott’s current whereabouts are unknown, and law enforcement continues efforts to locate and arrest him, officials said.

Warrant issued as investigation continues

Authorities said they remain committed to securing justice for Smith and his family, emphasizing that years of work contributed to the indictment. Additional details about the ongoing search for Scott were not immediately released.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone with information on Scott’s location to contact law enforcement.

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