Robert Smith, 40, was shot and killed outside his newly opened RMM Lounge at 658 Dawson Street in Mott Haven on the evening of Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Witnesses or police reported the assailant approached from behind around 9:50 p.m. and fired, striking Smith multiple times in the head and back. He was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln and pronounced dead. Smith lived in Williamsbridge and was a father of three; neighbours remembered him as a polite, excited entrepreneur who had just celebrated the lounge’s grand opening two weeks earlier.

The NYPD’s 41st Precinct said the shooter was seen wearing a red sweater and fled on foot. The case remained an active homicide investigation; on September 16, 2021, authorities announced an arrest and charged James Martin, 44, with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with Smith’s killing. Does anyone have information about that night or about Robert’s business and who might have wanted to harm him?