Kwamae Raysean Dale Bang Smith, 34, was shot and killed at the HK Restaurant and Lounge on Varick Street in Utica on November 11, 2023, just before midnight. The Utica Police Department arrived to a chaotic scene with 60 to 70 people present, but many witnesses were uncooperative. Owners and staff at the establishment helped investigators identify a suspect, and a warrant was issued charging 27-year-old Tyrell Brown with second-degree murder. The weapon used has not been recovered.

A manhunt involving the Utica Police Major Crimes Unit and the New York and New Jersey U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force followed; authorities released a photo of Brown and asked the public for help in locating him. Smith, known as Bang, was a father and grandfather who worked as a cement truck driver and was described by family as devoted to loved ones and aspiring to better his life.

If anyone has information about that night at HK Restaurant and Lounge or Brown’s whereabouts, please come forward.