Man charged with shooting murder of his cousin in Hobe Sound
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has charged 45-year old Roderick Bertram Dames in the shooting death of his cousin, 51-year old Ernest Alvin Smith.
On Thursday April 17, 2025, just before 6 p.m., Dames and Smith engaged in altercation in the roadway along Begonia Way in Hobe Sound. That altercation escalated and Smith was shot—ultimately succumbing to his injuries. Roderick Dames was still at the scene when deputies arrived.
After hours of investigation, detectives charged Roderick Dames with second degree murder. He is being held at the Martin County jail without bond.
MCSO Sheriff Budensiek told CBS12 News that Smith was well-known in the area and had a popular barbeque stand in Hobe Sound.
“A lifetime Hobe Sound resident he (Smith) recently has been selling barbeque at the corner of Pettway Street and A1A, so a lot of people in Hobe Sound know Ernie. He’s been around for a very long time,” the sheriff said.
Video:
.
(Source: Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
