James E. Smith Jr., 33, was shot to death during a home invasion at his Syracuse, New York residence on December 12, 2017. The attack occurred on a Tuesday in December when a group forced their way into his home; Smith’s parents, sister and three children were left to cope with the sudden loss.

The Syracuse Police Department’s investigation led to six arrests in the weeks and months after the killing. Five of the suspects were males aged 15 to 19; the sixth was 25-year-old Michael Smyre. Smyre was tried on charges arising from the home invasion and Smith’s death and was convicted by a jury of murder in the second degree and first-degree burglary. His conviction was later upheld on appeal.

Court filings and testimony explored motive and the roles of the group members, but questions remain about why a group that included several teenagers carried out such a violent invasion. If anyone knew James, his household, or observed activity near his home around December 12, 2017, please come forward with information.