James Edward Smith, a 35-year-old Black man, was fatally shot on January 20, 2025, in Minneapolis. Officers were called to an alley on the 3100 block of Harriet Avenue after reports that a body had been dumped from a vehicle; Smith was found with multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds and was taken to Hennepin Healthcare, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say a separate shooting about 15 minutes earlier on the 3400 block of 3rd Avenue South left 23-year-old Abdullah Ibrahim Ramzy mortally wounded; authorities have confirmed the two men were shot in separate incidents but are still investigating whether the cases are connected.

No arrests have been announced in Smith’s killing. Minneapolis police are actively searching for suspects and ask anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers or local authorities.

If anyone knew James Edward Smith or saw activity in the Harriet Avenue alley that night, please share what was seen or heard with investigators.