In the heart of the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, a 41-year-old man named Dwayne Smith, known affectionately as 'Stack,' was a familiar and beloved presence. A father of six, he was a creative individual, involved in directing and producing music videos as well as working on various film projects. His dedication to his community was evident in his everyday actions, from walking neighbors home late at night to checking on the elderly.
In a notable act of bravery in 2018, he ran into a burning building to help residents escape.
On the evening of October 10, 2019, this well-regarded community figure's life was tragically cut short. Smith was inside his favorite neighborhood deli on Flatbush Avenue when a teenager opened fire into the establishment from the sidewalk. Struck multiple times in the torso, Smith was rushed to Kings County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The shooting sent shockwaves through the close-knit community that had come to see him as a protector and a friend.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of 18-year-old Joshua Louis of East New York a few weeks later. Prosecutors stated that the motive for the shooting stemmed from an argument that had occurred earlier that night between Smith and a friend of Louis. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts placed Louis at the scene, allegedly showing him pulling out a gun and firing into the deli.
Joshua Louis was subsequently indicted on charges of second-degree murder and weapons possession. At his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty. The court ordered him to be held without bail pending further legal proceedings. If convicted of the top count, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The community continues to mourn the loss of Dwayne Smith, holding memorials and remembering him as a hero.
