On January 12, 2017, around 2:30 p.m. in a residential neighborhood near the 1000 block of Carrie Street in Augusta, Georgia, 28-year-old James Bartell Smiley III was shot multiple times in the head and neck while sitting inside his Mercedes. Witnesses reported a Black male with dreadlocks approached the vehicle and opened fire. Smiley’s car then accelerated, struck several parked vehicles and a mailbox, and crashed into a tree; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including two cell phones and $430 in cash. The family said the cash was intended to buy a new bowling ball from someone in South Carolina. No arrests have been made and the case remains unsolved; the man with dreadlocks seen firing into the car has not been identified. The family has expressed frustration about the investigation and has set up a GoFundMe to support loved ones.

Anyone who knew James, saw the shooting, or has information about the man with dreadlocks is asked to come forward.