Willie Charles Smith II, known as Dootie, was a 16-year-old from Flint who died on January 16, 2023, after a bullet struck him in the basement of a relative’s home where he was with friends. Family remembered him as a bright, energetic teen who loved basketball, football, music, and dancing, and whose kindness and humor left strong impressions on teachers, coaches, and classmates. Funeral services were held at Sheldon T. Banks Funeral Chapel and he was buried at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

Prosecutors identified a 17-year-old friend, Makhi McPherson, as the person handling a handgun that discharged. McPherson told the court he had removed the magazine and believed the gun was safe, not realizing a round remained in the chamber. The death was recorded as a homicide; McPherson was arrested and bound over for trial on an open murder charge and a felony-firearm count, though the case later resolved by plea. If anyone knew Willie, his family, or saw what happened that day in Flint, please share information that could help fill gaps in the timeline.