On the evening of May 12, 2019, a burst of gunfire in the parking lot of a supermarket in St. Louis County tragically ended the life of 34-year-old Kevin Smith of Jennings. The incident unfolded at approximately 9 p.m. outside the Mally Supermarket located in the 7400 block of West Florissant Road, a scene that would soon be swarming with law enforcement.
Officers from the County Club Hills Police Department were the first to arrive, discovering Smith suffering from at least one gunshot
wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life, but his injuries proved to be too severe. Investigators would later reveal that Smith had been shot multiple times in the back.
In the days that followed the fatal shooting, authorities worked to identify a person of interest, releasing security camera images to the public in hopes of generating leads. The investigation swiftly led them to a suspect, and on May 28, 2019, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced charges in connection with the case.
Eighteen-year-old Jaylon Miller was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for his alleged role in the death of Kevin Smith. A significant bond of $500,000 was set for Miller as he awaited further legal proceedings.
