Lamaceo L. Smith, 22, was shot and killed in Columbus, Mississippi, on the evening of December 21, 2021. Deputies were called about shots fired near the Columbus Heights apartments at about 7:35 p.m. and found Smith in the roadway with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators developed leads that pointed to two local men. Following tips, authorities arrested 41-year-old Monta Deshun Harris and 28-year-old Tommy Earl Dora, Jr., and both were charged with murder in connection with Smith’s death. Witnesses said Harris and Dora had been in a verbal altercation with Smith that escalated, and that Harris allegedly fired the shot that killed Smith. The investigation remained active and additional charges were possible.

If anyone witnessed the confrontation near Columbus Heights on December 21 or has information about what led to the shooting, please share what is known.