Akeem Smith was 17 when he was shot and killed on March 29, 2016, in a garage on the 3200 block of Parkside Avenue in Rockford, Illinois. Described by family as talented with electronics, cutting hair, and singing, he was remembered for his warm smile and dimples.

The shooting followed an altercation that escalated into gunfire between Akeem and three other people; he died shortly after being taken to a local hospital. Court proceedings later established that gunfire was exchanged during the fight and led to convictions. Javontavious Benford was found guilty of First Degree Murder and Mob Action and received 25 years. Retavian Jefferson pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years. Martaivis Harmon pleaded guilty and received 13 years.

Does anyone have memories of Akeem or information about the circumstances that night?