John Michael Songer, 47, was killed by a stray bullet on December 29, 2018, while standing in the patio area of Smokey Joe’s Cafe, a music venue in Charlotte, North Carolina. Songer was described as a quiet man who loved live music; he was born April 5, 1971, in Dearborn, Michigan, and was the only son of Richard and Barbara Gunn Songer.

The bullet that struck Songer was fired by Jamie Harris, 35, a convicted felon who had served ten years for second-degree murder and had been released on parole five months before the shooting. Harris had multiple arrests in the months before the incident. Less than 24 hours after the shooting, Harris was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Friends of Songer said they were frustrated that low bonds had been repeatedly granted to Harris despite his violent history. The Mecklenburg County District Attorney used the case to call for statewide changes to the justice system. If anyone knew John Songer or saw activity near Smokey Joe’s Cafe that night, please share what was seen.