Michael Smith, 54, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in a Sacramento residential neighborhood on June 12, 2017. Emergency responders pronounced him deceased at the scene and the Sacramento Police Department opened an immediate homicide investigation after witnesses reported a heated argument followed by gunshots.

Detectives identified several suspects from witness statements and nearby surveillance footage, including people who had previous conflicts with Smith. Police arrested multiple individuals in the weeks after the killing; the primary suspect was taken into custody after a brief manhunt and charged with first-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Prosecutors relied on forensic evidence, witnesses, and video in the case, and the primary suspect was convicted.

Smith’s family also filed a civil suit against the suspects seeking damages for the loss. The killing has been cited in local discussions about gang violence and community safety. If anyone witnessed the altercation or has information that wasn’t shared with investigators, please come forward.