Robert "Rob" Russell, a 39-year-old father of four from Chesterland, Ohio, was fatally shot at Mr. Ed's Bar & Grille in Put-in-Bay on July 23, authorities say. The shooting occurred shortly after midnight as Russell celebrated what would have been his 40th birthday the following day with his wife, Lindsay.
Background
According to the Put-in-Bay Police Department, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the bar on Delaware Avenue after receiving reports of a shooting around 12:30 a.m. First responders found Russell suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medics attempted life-saving measures, but Russell was pronounced dead at the scene. No other patrons were injured.
Russell and his wife had traveled to Put-in-Bay specifically to celebrate his birthday, according to family members who spoke with local media outlets. His cousin, Carly Konieczny, described the family's struggle to process the tragedy.
"I woke up to a text from my mom saying, 'Call me when you wake up,'" Konieczky told WEWS in Cleveland. "It's just still been a lot of processing and trying to pinch yourself and see if it's real."
Russell's sister, Christi Russell, told WTOL there was no altercation before the shooting. "He was simply enjoying a night out with his wife," she said.
The Investigation
Police immediately requested assistance from the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation following the shooting. The Ohio State Highway Patrol provided aerial support during the search for the suspect.
Authorities identified Colton Zane Smith, 21, of Michigan, as the alleged shooter. He was located and taken into custody around 3:40 a.m., officials said. Investigators confirmed no other individuals were being sought in connection with the killing.
Smith is charged with one count of murder along with a firearm specification, according to court records. The Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office identified Russell as the victim from Chesterland, Ohio.
"He was a guy of really deep faith," Konieczny told WEWS. "That was central to everything about him, even what he did for his job." Family members described Russell as a devoted husband and father of three boys and one girl who worked as a handyman.
Key Takeaways
- Robert "Rob" Russell, 39, was shot and killed at Mr. Ed's Bar & Grille in Put-in-Bay, Ohio on July 23
- Colton Zane Smith, 21, of Michigan, has been charged with murder and a firearm specification
- Authorities believe the shooting was random with no known connection between victim and suspect
- Bond set at $1 million for Smith during his initial court appearance
- Preliminary hearing scheduled for July 31 in Ottawa County Municipal Court
- Russell's family described him as a deeply religious man devoted to his wife and four children
What's Next
Smith is expected to appear before Ottawa County Municipal Court on July 31 for his preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will present evidence supporting the murder charges. The investigation remains ongoing, with the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit continuing to piece together the events leading up to Russell's death. Authorities have indicated they are reviewing surveillance footage from the bar and interviewing additional witnesses to establish a complete timeline of the evening.