Family Seeks Help After Veteran Father Killed, Suspect at Large

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - The family of a veteran shot and killed in Northside is asking for people to come forward with tips in the case.

According to the Cincinnati Police Department, 55-year-old Charles Smith died at the scene of the shooting on Elmore Street Friday.

Officers have not released any suspect information yet.

“We’re telling people to consider if it was their family member,” said Carlton Collins, Smith’s godson and the spokesperson for the family. “Because of the impact that he had, it feels like even more of an injustice.”

According to Collins, Smith’s family was there when someone shot him. “So when you ask about what’s going on, there’s a lot of trauma,” he said.

Collins says the family is experiencing agony not knowing who killed Smith.

The veteran served in the Navy and worked for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center in Employee and Labor Relations for 25 years.

According to a statement from the family, Smith was the National Representative for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and President of AFGE Local 2031 at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. It also says Smith loved to sing and serve his church.

The full statement can be read below.

“He wasn’t a man with enemies. He wasn’t a man who created a lot of tension,” Collins said.

According to Collins, the family is hoping someone will see this story and come forward with information and help get them justice.

“The thing that’s most important in terms of asking people to come forward, if his murder goes unsolved, then we have to start asking serious questions on whether or not humanity is a priority,” Collins said.

If you have any information on the shooting death of Charles Smith, you’re asked to call CrimeStoppers at 513-352-3040. You can remain anonymous.

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles L. Smith Jr.—a beloved husband of over 30 years, devoted father of five, proud grandfather, loyal brother, steadfast friend, dedicated coach, gifted singer, proud veteran, and man of unwavering faith.

Charles served his country with honor and continued that service as a tireless advocate for the rights and dignity of working people. For more than 25 years, Charles built a legacy in employee and labor relations, culminating in his leadership as National Representative for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and President of AFGE Local 2031 at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. His advocacy, courage, and knowledge helped shape fairer workplaces and empowered countless federal employees with the tools and voice to stand up for justice.

A respected trainer at the national level, Charles educated and mentored stewards, managers, and employees across the country. He was a subject matter expert on complex labor laws and policies and a trusted advisor to many. His skillful navigation of grievances, labor negotiations, and disciplinary matters reflected not only a mastery of the law but also a deep compassion for people.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charles was a servant leader guided by faith. He was a gifted singer and lifelong member of Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the proud son of gospel legend Gloria Hayes and came up under the musical and spiritual leadership of Dr. Charles Fold at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church—an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-winning gospel artist and the first international president of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Charles’s voice was not only heard in song but also in spirit, echoing through choirs, sanctuaries, and the hearts of those who worshipped alongside him.

To know Charles was to witness integrity in action—a man who carried the weight of others with humility and stood firmly for what was right, even when it wasn’t easy. Above all, he cherished his role as a husband and father, pouring his heart into his family with the same strength and love he gave to his community.

In this difficult time, the Smith family respectfully asks for privacy and space to grieve. We encourage all who were touched by Charles’s life to remember his legacy of service, love, and faith. Let us honor his memory by continuing the work he cared so deeply about—with courage, with unity, and with heart.

Rest in power, Charles L. Smith Jr. Your light will never fade.

Smith Family Statement Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles L. Smith Jr.

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