Samuel Smith Jr., a 64-year-old African American man, tragically lost his life on November 6, 2016, in Aurora, Illinois. Born on September 6, 1952, in Waterproof, Louisiana, Samuel was a long-time resident of Aurora. His death was the result of a single gunshot wound, as confirmed by the Kane County Coroner’s Office. On the night of the incident, police responded to a call at Samuel's home on the 800 block of Iowa Avenue at approximately 12:55 a.m.
They found him inside the house, suffering from the gunshot wound. Despite being transported to Presence Mercy Medical Center, Samuel was pronounced dead at 1:22 a.m.
The investigation into Samuel Smith Jr.'s death revealed that his 73-year-old girlfriend was the only other person present in the house at the time of the shooting. She was asleep on the second floor when she was awakened by what she described as a "big explosion." Upon rushing downstairs, she found Samuel clutching a phone and uttering his final words, "I got shot." The police collected DNA samples from her and questioned her about the events of that night. Despite her presence, she was not considered a suspect, and the police have not made any arrests in connection with the case.
The Aurora Police Department has classified the investigation as "very active," with several leads and persons of interest. However, no concrete evidence has emerged to identify the perpetrator. The police have been meticulous in their efforts, collecting forensic evidence and conducting thorough interviews. The family of Samuel Smith Jr. has expressed their grief and desire for closure, praising the police for their dedication to solving the case. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the investigation continues to be a top priority for the Aurora Police Department.
