Azeem Kwesi Smith, a 28-year-old resident of Orlando, Florida, tragically lost his life on April 18, 2021. Born on January 8, 1993, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Azeem moved to Orlando in 2004. He was known for his creative pursuits, having studied Art at Valencia College before switching to Music Development and Audiovisual Technology. Azeem was in the process of launching his own online business, which included products like lotions, soaps, lip balms, facial scrubs, and candles, when his life was
abruptly cut short.
On the morning of April 18, 2021, Azeem was found with a gunshot wound in the area of Lake Sparling Road. The Orange County Sheriff's Office initially responded to a call about an accident, but upon arrival, they discovered Azeem's vehicle with bullet holes and eight shell casings nearby. Witnesses reported hearing four gunshots followed by a loud crash. Azeem was rushed to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Azeem's death led to the arrest of D’wann Vance Bentley, a 22-year-old man, who was charged with first-degree murder. Bentley had contacted Azeem via Snapchat, asking him to pick him up from a house party. When Azeem arrived, Bentley fired six shots into his vehicle, resulting in Azeem's death. Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing Bentley shooting into the car and then fleeing the scene. Bentley was apprehended and, after a five-day trial, was found guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Azeem's death was a significant loss to his family and community. He is survived by his mother, Marlene Powell, his grandmother, Vera Powell, and several brothers. The tragic circumstances of his death and the subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the senseless violence that claimed the life of a young man with a promising future.
