Video: Lawyer Says Son Of Smith Jr. Acted In Self-Defense

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI-TV) – Robert Smith Jr.’s son is under arrest and facing a murder charge Friday in the death of his father.

Davius Roshard Smith’s lawyer tells WCBI he acted in self-defense. Smith is free on a $100,000 bond.

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith’s son, Robert Smith Jr., was shot at least once Wednesday in the abdomen. An autopsy confirmed Thursday he died from a gunshot.

“It’s a tragic situation,” Smith’s lawyer Rod Ray said. “My client has the double situation of dealing with being in trouble for the first time in his life added to the fact that he’s accused of having murdered his father.”

Davius Smith

Davius Smith is 20 years old. He’s a nursing student at East Mississippi Community College.

“He’s handling it as best as he can,” Ray said.

Smith doesn’t have a criminal history.

Many people in the community are familiar with the mayor’s family. People in Columbus have commented on our Facebook page, saying Smith is “humble” and goes out of his way to help people.

One user wrote: “He’s such a sweet little fella!”

Another posted: “This just breaks my heart… very respectable young man!”

You can see more comments here on our Facebook page.

The prosecution says Smith isn’t a flight risk. The case will be presented to a grand jury in May.