Marcus Leonard Smith Obituary, Death; – Marcus Leonard Smith, aged 39, was fatally shot by Akron Police during a traffic stop on Monday. Authorities report that he had stolen a firearm and a vehicle, ultimately returning to Akron, his birthplace.
While visiting from Cincinnati, law enforcement identified the stolen vehicle in Akron. According to police, Smith discharged his weapon at them following the traffic stop, prompting them to return fire.
Today, his family shared their grief and sense of loss with a local news station, mourning the young man who was pursuing a PhD. They also revealed that he had been facing mental health challenges and was actively seeking treatment. His mother, Beverly Ivory, expressed her trauma over his passing.
“The individual they encountered on Monday was not the true Marcus Smith. This is a reality of mental illness. I want to emphasize the importance of seeking help for yourself and your loved ones,” she stated. The incident involving the police shooting is currently under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
