In a tragic incident that unfolded in Portland, Oregon, Wyatt Storm Belcher, 28, has been convicted of the second-degree murder of 31-year-old Ash Smith, a mother of five, at a drum circle event in May 2022.
The jury deliberated for just one hour before finding Belcher guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
The Fatal Shooting
The shooting occurred on May 8, 2022, during a drum circle event in Portland, where Smith was part of the crowd. As the event began to disperse, multiple witnesses heard a gunshot and saw Smith fall to the ground, fatally wounded by a gunshot to the back of her neck.
Onlookers immediately rushed to help, but Smith’s injuries proved fatal.
Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin highlighted the compassion shown by the witnesses who tried to help Smith in her final moments. Despite being deeply affected by the trauma, three of these individuals bravely testified during the trial, shedding light on the tragic event.
Wyatt Belcher’s Actions and Arrest
Portland police quickly located Belcher after several witnesses provided descriptions of the shooter. When officers approached him, Belcher was still armed with the gun and allegedly racked the slide before asking if Smith was dead. He also reportedly threatened a witness, asking if they wanted to be shot as well.
The shooting seemed to be entirely random, as Belcher and Smith had no known connection. According to police reports, Belcher’s actions were unprovoked, and there was no indication that he had any personal dispute with Smith.
Smith’s Struggles and Legacy
At the time of her death, Smith had been facing homelessness, struggling to get by. A witness reported seeing her asking people for small amounts of money just before she was killed.
Despite her challenges, Smith was remembered by her family as a good-hearted person who had been “given a difficult hand in life.” A GoFundMe page set up for her funeral expenses described her as someone with a kind heart.
Belcher’s Mental Health and Legal Proceedings
Belcher’s trial faced multiple delays, and he was initially declared unfit for trial due to mental health issues. He was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and schizoaffective disorder but was later deemed fit to stand trial after receiving treatment.
His conviction comes after a lengthy legal process, and he was sentenced to life in prison for his senseless crime.
The case of Wyatt Belcher and the tragic death of Ash Smith serves as a stark reminder of the random violence that can occur, often leaving innocent victims in its wake.
Despite her struggles, Smith’s family and witnesses who tried to help her during her final moments have kept her memory alive. Belcher’s conviction brings some measure of justice, though it does little to ease the pain of a mother’s loss.
