On August 29, 2018, Michael D. Williams, a 33-year-old African American male from North Chicago, was fatally shot in Zion, Illinois. The incident occurred around 12:10 a.m. in the 2500 block of Hebron Avenue. Upon arrival, Zion police officers discovered Williams with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and head. He was promptly transported to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, where he was pronounced dead.
Following an investigation, authorities identified 29-year-old Raymond Smith Jr., a resident of Zion, as the primary suspect. Smith, who resided in the 2300 block of Gabriel Avenue, was known to the victim, indicating that the shooting was not a random act. On August 31, 2018, Smith was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Michael D. Williams.
Smith was subsequently taken into custody and held at the Lake County Jail in Waukegan. While awaiting trial, on January 3, 2025, Smith allegedly attacked a corrections officer, resulting in serious injuries to the officer. This incident led to additional charges against Smith, including three counts of aggravated battery of a corrections officer and two counts of resisting arrest causing injury. As of January 17, 2025, Smith remains in custody, with his murder case still active and pending trial.
