George T. Smith, 63, was fatally shot just after midnight in April 2014 on Danforth Avenue in Jersey City as he and his wife, Margaret, arrived home. The couple had been returning from the local Moose Lodge when two men accosted them in their driveway, apparently targeting Margaret Smith’s handbag. George stepped between his wife and the attackers and tried to retrieve her purse; he was shot, and Margaret’s screams alerted neighbors.

Those who knew George described him as meek, timid, and quiet. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit investigated and two 19-year-old men were arrested: Joshua Higgins of Newark was charged with felony murder, robbery, and firearms offenses, and Donte Gaskin of Irvington was charged with receiving stolen property after being found with Margaret Smith’s cellphone. Higgins pleaded not guilty to the charges.

If anyone witnessed the attack or has information about the robbery and shooting, please share what is known.