Shard End murder: three men charged after dad, Darren Smith, killed

Three men were charged with the murder of Darren Smith in Shard End earlier this week.

Smith, 50, was found with head injuries in The Heathway at just before 2.50pm on Wednesday (15 March) and sadly died shortly afterwards.

Emergency services had rushed to the scene at 2.55pm but he was pronounced dead a short time later despite the efforts of paramedics.

Following police enquiries three men were detained in Devon and have now been charged with the murder of the 50-year-old.

Lee O’Brien, aged 53, Luke O’Brien, 35, and Lewis O’Brien, 31, all from Birmingham, have been remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court today (18 March).

His family said in a statement: “We as a family are devastated at the loss of our son Darren. He was a caring man and was loved by all who knew him. He was tragically taken from us and this has left a huge void in our lives.

“We would ask anyone who knows or saw anything please come forward and contact the police. We would now wish to be left alone so we can deal with our loss and grieve in private.”

Other pals took to social media to pay tribute, with one writing: “Absolutely gutted, such a great guy.

“I’ve got so many funny memories with you Wiffa until we meet again I will treasure them. Rest in eternal peace.”

Another commented: “RIP Darren Wiffa Smith you deserved so much better than this, you was a true legend, absolutely heart breaking, see you on the other side one day x”

Enquiries around the circumstances continue and anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via 101, or Live Chat on our website, and quote log 2653 of 15 March.