On the night of Monday, February 1, 2016, 24-year-old Roshawn Smith was shot multiple times during a robbery on the corner of St. Bernard Avenue and Republic Street in New Orleans. He was taken to a nearby hospital and died the following day. The New Orleans Police Department opened a homicide investigation, and investigators believe robbery was the motive.

Smith was a deacon at Abundant Life Tabernacle and was studying to become a minister, due to graduate at the end of that month. He was married to Joanisaha Smith and was a father to three children. Family, friends and his pastor, Tyrone Jefferson, described him as devoted to his family and church; they held a prayer vigil the day after his death.

No arrests have been announced and the case remains unsolved. Crimestoppers has offered a reward for information leading to those responsible. If anyone saw activity near St. Bernard Avenue and Republic Street that night or has tips about the robbery, please come forward.