A Tragic Night in Put-in-Bay
A 39-year-old man, identified by his family as Robert "Rob" Russell, was tragically killed inside a bar in Put-in-Bay. Russell, a husband and father of four, was known for spending his summers on the Lake Erie islands with his family, enjoying fishing, work, and creating cherished memories.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille. Russell and his wife, Lindsay, were on the island to celebrate his upcoming 40th birthday. According to his sister, Christi Russell, he left the bar to use the restroom and did not return.
“There was no altercation,” Christi said. “He was simply enjoying a night out with his wife.”
Authorities have not publicly released the victim's identity, but WTOL 11 is working to confirm details from the coroner's office. Ottawa County Prosecutor James VanEerten previously stated that the victim and the man charged in the shooting did not appear to know each other. No motive has been disclosed, and investigators have not provided details about what happened before the shooting.
A Family Tied to the Islands
Russell had deep connections to the Lake Erie islands, where he and his family spent their summers. He owned an inexpensive houseboat that the family docked at Midway Marina, according to Christi. Russell and his three sons loved to fish together, and they also took on handyman jobs during their visits. His sons wrestled at West Geauga, while his youngest child, a daughter, participated in gymnastics.
“His youngest, his daughter, was daddy’s little girl,” Christi said, adding that Russell and his wife cherished the time they spent on the islands together as a family.
At the time of the shooting, Russell’s two oldest sons were attending Camp Patmos on the islands, and his two youngest children were at sleepovers near their home in Chesterland.
A Devoted Father and Husband
In a statement, Lindsay described her husband as a source of strength and a devoted father guided by his faith.
“Rob was so much more than a husband and father,” Lindsay wrote. “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.”
“The void he leaves behind is immeasurable,” she added. Lindsay thanked those who have offered prayers, messages, meals, and other forms of support to the couple’s children and extended family. She established a GoFundMe after the family received numerous messages asking how people could help, Christi said. Proceeds will go directly to Russell’s family.
The Aftermath of the Shooting
Put-in-Bay police and first responders were dispatched shortly after midnight Thursday to Mr. Ed’s in the 200 block of Delaware Avenue. They found Russell suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies arrested Colton Smith, 21, of Brownstown, Michigan, at approximately 3:40 a.m. Smith is charged with murder with a firearm specification and an additional misdemeanor. Smith appeared in court Thursday afternoon. Prosecutors requested a $1 million bond with 10% permitted, citing the severity of the offense, the firearm specification, Smith’s 2023 assault conviction in Wayne County, his out-of-state residency, the alleged danger to the community, and what they described as strong video evidence.
The court found Smith indigent and agreed to appoint an attorney to represent him. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. July 31.
VanEerten said investigators were continuing to interview witnesses and that additional charges remained possible. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit are handling the investigation with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Impact on the Community
Mr. Ed’s closed for the remainder of Thursday following the shooting and reopened on Friday, while the Green Room above the bar was closed Thursday night. Management said the closures would allow employees time to process what happened and support the ongoing investigation.
“This is something we never imagined our staff, guests, or community would experience,” management said. “Our hearts are with the victim, their loved ones, everyone who witnessed this tragedy, and all those whose lives have been touched by this senseless act of violence.”
Based on WTOL 11 records, Thursday’s shooting was Put-in-Bay’s first homicide since 2011 and only the second homicide on the island.
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