Teens face murder charges after allegedly laughing while they beat 53-year-old father to death outside Ohio Kroger​

On December 6th, three Columbus area teens allegedly laid in wait for a 53-year-old father to exit a local Kroger, whereupon they reportedly were "laughing and enjoying" themselves as they beat the man senseless. Now all three face murder charges after their victim died Monday from his wounds.

The victim has been identified as Donnie Smith. According to Smith's wife, Smith was "an amazing person" who was a father to a 15-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter.

According to the police report, Jamarion Fredrae Evans-Bennett, 19, Dionta Davon Hughes, 18, and an as-yet-unidentified 17-year-old male allegedly became involved in an altercation inside the Kroger with a number of Kroger patrons, whereupon they were asked to leave by security. The three then reportedly went outside to wait for Smith. It is unclear as yet why Smith in particular was targeted by the group, or what was the nature of the disagreement inside the store.

Witnesses said that the three appeared to be "laughing and enjoying themselves" as they punched and kicked Smith to death in the parking lot. The beating only stopped because a passerby with a firearm "ordered them to stop" beating on Smith, causing them to flee across the parking lot. Police were originally investigating the incident as a felonious assault, but when Smith succumbed to his injuries, they arrested and charged the trio with murder on Wednesday.

A GoFundMe has been launched by Smith's wife to help defray the costs of funeral expenses.

Police and prosecutors have not yet stated whether they intend to charge the 17-year-old as an adult.