Vernon Van Johnson Jr., known to friends and family as VJ and Smiley, was 27 when he died on September 3, 2014, in Baltimore. Born May 11, 1987, he grew up in the Baltimore City School System and worked in carpentry and tile work, remembered by his obituary as handy and well liked for his warm personality.

The investigation and the circumstances of his final days remain largely undisclosed, and his family and friends continue to mourn without public closure.

If anyone knew Vernon, his routines, or has information about what happened in late summer 2014, please come forward.