Man Charged in Deadly Shooting Over Black & Mild Cigarette

Surveillance video and witness accounts led to arrest of Ladarius Alexander in the death of De'Kevin Louis.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Black & Mild cigar against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence that can erupt over minor disputes.A violent dispute over a single cigar tragically ended in a fatal shooting, exposing the fragility of community safety.Columbus Today

A 35-year-old man has been charged with murder after a deadly shooting that allegedly started over a dispute about a Black & Mild cigar in Columbus, Ohio. Ladarius Alexander was identified as the shooter through witness interviews and surveillance footage that showed him with a bandaged hand after the incident on March 25.

Why it matters

Gun violence over minor disputes continues to be a major public safety concern in many urban areas. This case highlights the potential for escalation of conflicts over seemingly trivial matters, underscoring the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies in communities.

The details

According to court documents, Alexander and 36-year-old victim De'Kevin Louis got into a fight "over a black and mild" cigar. Alexander claimed Louis pulled a gun on him, and that he took the weapon and shot Louis in the head, also injuring his own left hand in the process. Surveillance video from a nearby Walmart showed Alexander with his hand bandaged after the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred on March 25, 2026 along Lockbourne Road in Columbus.
  • Alexander was charged with murder on April 10, 2026.

The players

Ladarius Alexander

A 35-year-old Columbus resident who was charged with murder in the shooting death of De'Kevin Louis.

De'Kevin Louis

A 36-year-old Columbus man who was killed in the shooting incident with Ladarius Alexander.

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What they’re saying

“When interviewed by police, Alexander allegedly admitted to getting into a fight with Louis "over a black and mild.”

— Ladarius Alexander

What’s next

Alexander is being held in the Franklin County Jail. A judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies in communities to prevent gun violence from erupting over minor disputes. It also raises questions about access to firearms and the role they play in escalating confrontations.