Robert ‘Rob’ Russell, Chesterland, Ohio father of 4 shot and killed by Colton Smith during 40th birthday getaway trip to Lake Erie with wife. Tragedy happened while couple were dining at Put-in-Bay restaurant. Suspect and victim didn’t know each other. No known motive.
An Ohio father of four was shot and killed while on vacation with his wife just days before his 40th birthday while dining at a Lake Erie restaurant.
Robert ‘Rob’ Russell of Chesterland was visiting Put-in-Bay, a small island resort village on Lake Erie, OH, to celebrate his upcoming birthday when the fatal incident occurred at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille on Thursday, July 23, just after midnight.
First responders found Rob suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They administered lifesaving efforts, but Rob died on the scene, according to Cleveland.com.
Colton Smith, 21, of Brownstown, Michigan, was arrested and charged with murder. Smith remains held on $1 million bond according to WTOL 11.
To date authorities have not released a motive to the slaying.
While speaking to WTOL 11, Rob’s sister, Christi Russell, said her brother had gotten up to use the restroom when the fatal incident occurred.
‘There was no altercation,’ she told the outlet. ‘He was simply enjoying a night out with his wife.’
She added that her brother and his family spent time on the island every summer.
County Prosecutor James VanEerten said Smith and the victim did not know each other before the shooting, according to Fox 8.
In a GoFundMe since established by the victim’s wife, Lindsay Russell, the widow called the incident a ‘senseless act of violence,’ adding that the shooting occurred the first day she and her husband arrived on the island for what was meant to be a celebratory weekend.
‘Rob was so much more than a husband and father. He was a constant presence, a source of strength, a comforting hand, a helping hand, a perseverer, a man of unwavering faith, and a father who intentionally led and loved his family and children toward Christ every single day,’ she wrote on the fundraising page.
‘The void he leaves behind is immeasurable,’ she added.
Smith’s preliminary court hearing in Ottawa Municipal Court is scheduled for Friday, July 31.
