Christopher Smith, a 36-year-old African American man from East St. Louis, Illinois, was fatally shot on February 16, 2019. He was found at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds and died there despite efforts to save him. Reports describe the shooting as a targeted attack following a confrontation earlier that day.

Witnesses said they heard gunshots and saw a vehicle speeding away, providing leads for investigators. Police identified several suspects during the inquiry, and one 28-year-old man from East St. Louis was arrested and charged with first-degree murder; prosecutors relied on eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage that placed him at the scene.

Smith’s family attended court hearings and participated in community vigils in the months after his death. The killing prompted local discussions about violence and community safety in East St. Louis.

If anyone knew Christopher or has information about the events of February 16, 2019, please come forward to investigators.