Tony Rashawn Smith Jr., a 22-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 2, 2022, in Durham, North Carolina. Tony Rashawn Smith Jr. was found dead alongside Jalen Ramon Mills, a 19-year-old male, in a parking lot at an apartment complex on South Miami Boulevard near RTP. The Durham police responded to a call about the shooting at approximately 1:36 a.m. and discovered the two young men at the scene. Both Tony Rashawn Smith Jr.
and Jalen Ramon Mills were pronounced dead upon the officers' arrival. This incident marked one of the early violent events in Durham for the year 2022.
The investigation into the deaths of Tony Rashawn Smith Jr. and Jalen Ramon Mills remains active. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the Durham police are continuing their efforts to gather information and identify any potential suspects. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward and contact Investigator J. Turner or CrimeStoppers. CrimeStoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers can remain anonymous.
The deaths of Tony Rashawn Smith Jr. and Jalen Ramon Mills were part of a violent New Year's weekend in Durham, which saw multiple shootings and fatalities. The community has been deeply affected by these tragic events, and the police are working diligently to bring justice to the victims and their families. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are committed to finding those responsible for the deaths of Tony Rashawn Smith Jr. and Jalen Ramon Mills.
