Christopher Smith was 14 when he was shot on the evening of June 22, 2021, on the 500 block of West 35th Street in Wilmington, Delaware. Police responded at about 5:56 p.m. and found him suffering from gunshot wounds; he was taken to a hospital and did not survive. Neighbors said Christopher had been out on his bike before the shooting, and the block quickly became a center of grief and fear.

The killing came amid a year of repeated shootings in Wilmington and was one of several incidents that month involving teenagers. Community leaders noted a volatile aftermath: some social media posts reportedly celebrated Christopher’s death while others threatened retaliation, and a pastor described the responses as part of a dangerous cycle tied to youth violence and gang culture. Police did not release many investigative details and no suspect or charges were named in the reporting reviewed.

If anyone knew Christopher, saw activity on West 35th Street that evening, or has information about the shooting, please come forward to help the investigation.