On December 31, 2023, at about 10:25 p.m., 36-year-old Leo Campos was fatally shot in the 1700 block of Glenview Drive in Perris, California. Deputies responding to multiple reports of an assault with a deadly weapon found Campos with a gunshot wound; he was given first aid but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators identified 41-year-old David Christopher Smit as the suspect. According to the sheriff’s investigator, shortly after 10 p.m. on December 31 the two men were involved in an unspecified confrontation during which Smit allegedly drew a handgun and shot Campos at close range. Smit was arrested without incident the next morning near the shooting location and booked on charges including murder, attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, plus gun and great bodily injury enhancement allegations. He is being held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center; an arraignment was scheduled for February 5.

The community has created a memorial page where friends and family have shared memories and lit candles for Campos. If anyone witnessed the confrontation or has information about the shooting, please come forward.