In a shocking and senseless act of violence, a mother of five was tragically shot in Portland, Oregon, during a drum circle event in 2022. The murderer, Wyatt Storm Belcher, 28, was convicted of second-degree murder after shooting Ash Smith, a 31-year-old woman, in the back.
The incident left the community stunned and grieving, especially as it appeared to be an unprovoked attack with no apparent motive.
The Shooting Incident
On May 8, 2022, Ash Smith was attending a drum circle event in Portland when a fatal incident unfolded. As the crowd began to disperse, witnesses reported hearing a loud bang, followed by Smith collapsing on the ground with a gunshot wound to the back of her neck. Despite immediate attempts by bystanders to assist her, Smith later died from her injuries.
The shooter, later identified as Wyatt Belcher, did not seem to have any personal connection with Smith. The act appeared completely random, as Smith and Belcher had no known relationship.
According to witnesses, Belcher approached Smith and shot her before asking a nearby observer if Smith was dead. He then threatened the witness with the gun, asking if they wanted to be shot as well.
The Investigation and Arrest
After the shooting, witnesses quickly provided descriptions of Belcher to the police, which led to his capture. Authorities found Belcher still carrying the gun he used in the crime.
In an unsettling moment, Belcher reportedly racked the slide on his weapon and coldly asked if Smith was dead. This chilling behavior highlighted the randomness and callousness of the crime.
The police investigation revealed that Smith had been facing significant struggles, including homelessness, at the time of her death. One witness recalled seeing Smith asking for small amounts of money, specifically $6, before the shooting occurred.
This detail further emphasized the tragic nature of the event, with Smith seemingly not having anything of value to steal.
Belcher’s Background and Mental Health
Wyatt Belcher’s defense team cited mental health issues, including major depressive disorder and schizoaffective disorder, as factors contributing to his actions.
At one point, his trial was delayed after he was declared unfit for trial, but he was later deemed competent to stand trial. Despite his mental health struggles, Belcher was convicted by a jury after only an hour of deliberation.
The jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, and Belcher was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. The tragic death of Ash Smith left her family and friends devastated.
They described her as a good-hearted person who had faced many challenges in her life, yet always tried to make the best of her circumstances. Her family set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs, highlighting the difficulty she faced but also emphasizing her positive spirit.
The Community’s Response
The shooting deeply affected both the witnesses who were present at the scene and the community at large. Many spoke about the bravery of those who stayed to help Smith in her final moments, with three witnesses even testifying at Belcher’s trial despite the trauma they experienced.
These witnesses showed immense strength in facing the horrors of that night, ensuring that justice was served.
Ash Smith’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the randomness of violence and the need for greater compassion and support for those facing difficult circumstances. The community continues to mourn her loss, with many reflecting on the senselessness of the crime.
The murder of Ash Smith was a devastating event that could have been avoided, and it has left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and the community. Belcher’s conviction brings some measure of justice, but it does little to ease the grief felt by those who knew Smith.
This tragic incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who are struggling and the dangers of unchecked mental health issues.
