Dontrell Demetrius Smith, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot and killed on the evening of April 25, 2024, in Bakersfield. Officers responded about 6:45 p.m. to a ShotSpotter activation and reports of gunfire in the 800 block of V Street and found Smith in the roadway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy ruled his death a homicide.

Police described the attack as a drive-by shooting they said was gang-related and announced arrests of two suspects, 31-year-old Marlon Burch and 35-year-old Rodney Gipson. Authorities charged both with murder and participation in a criminal street gang; the family and friends of Smith strongly denied he had any gang affiliation. The community held vigils, with candles and prayers, and local leaders called for justice.

Does anyone have information about Smith’s final hours or who might have witnessed the shooting?