Kenneth Ray Smith III, 47, was killed on December 16, 2017, in Oakland, California. He was found dead in East Oakland, one of the city’s 72 homicide victims that year as officials tracked a slight overall decrease in homicides for 2017.

Local attention that year included efforts such as Operation Ceasefire and similar programs aimed at reducing gun violence and providing alternatives for people at risk of involvement in violent crime. Oakland Police reported an approximate clearance rate of 71 percent for homicides in 2017, while community members set up a memorial to remember Smith and other victims.

Smith’s death was publicly mourned by family and friends through online memorials that reflected the loss. If anyone knew Kenneth Smith or has information about the circumstances of his death, please share what you know.