JaVonte D. Smith, 19, of Roanoke, Virginia, died after being shot during an attempted illegal firearm transaction on the evening of April 24, 2024. Allen met two juvenile males on Stratford Park Drive SW to sell a gun; the encounter allegedly turned into an attempted robbery by Smith and Allen. One of the juveniles produced a firearm and shot both men.

Emergency responders found both victims with gunshot wounds. Smith was critically injured, taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and placed on life support; he died on April 26. Allen survived with injuries described as not life-threatening and was later arrested on April 29 and charged with robbery. Law enforcement located the two juveniles at a Roanoke County residence and the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

If anyone knew JaVonte or witnessed the events on Stratford Park Drive SW that night, please share information with investigators.