Mahir Smajic, 35, was found dead inside his vehicle after a reported shooting on August 21, 2019, in the 700 block of Mildred Avenue in Cahokia, Illinois. Officers responded about 3:30 a.m. and discovered Smajic with a fatal gunshot wound; the St. Clair County coroner later confirmed his identity and cause of death. His car was straddling the street and blocking one lane at the scene.

Smajic was a well-known member of the St. Louis Bosnian community and a devoted father who helped Syrian refugees settle in St. Louis. Authorities said he was believed to have been at that location for a specific reason and that his death was not random. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis joined the probe. Celdre Ross, 24, was arrested and charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon; bond was set at $50,000. The exact circumstances of how Smajic came to be killed remained unclear.

If anyone knew why Mahir was in Cahokia that night or has information about the shooting, please share what is known.