Quandarious Damon Smith, a 21-year-old African American male from Pensacola, Florida, tragically lost his life on December 28, 2021. The incident occurred outside his family’s residence on Louisiana Drive, following a drug deal that turned deadly. According to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Smith was shot multiple times during an altercation with Anthony Tyrone Brock, a 30-year-old male, who was later arrested and charged with homicide.
On the night of the incident, deputies
responded to reports of gunshots and found Smith with several gunshot wounds to the right side of his body. Despite immediate first aid efforts and transportation to Baptist Hospital, Smith was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Witnesses reported that Smith and Brock had been arguing outside the residence before the shooting occurred. The argument escalated, leading Brock to pull out a firearm and shoot Smith multiple times.
The investigation revealed that the altercation stemmed from a drug deal gone wrong. Brock, who was known by the nickname "Aye-Way," believed that Smith was setting him up. Video evidence, witness testimonies, and fingerprints led to Brock's arrest. He was charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm in public. Brock is currently being held in the Escambia County jail without bond.
This tragic event highlights the dangers associated with the drug trade, which has been a significant issue in Escambia County. Sheriff Chip Simmons emphasized that many violent crimes in the area are linked to drug-related activities, and the Sheriff's Office is working diligently to combat this problem. The community continues to mourn the loss of Quandarious Damon Smith, a young man whose life was cut short by senseless violence.
