Tequila Smith, a 36-year-old African American woman from Durham, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on September 22, 2017. She was found deceased outside on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. The incident occurred shortly after 9:45 p.m. on the 100 block of E. Umstead Street. The Durham Police Department quickly responded to the scene and began their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The investigation led to the arrest of three men: Jamal
Shamsuddeen, 23, Aquan Pitts, 24, and Mustafa Magwood, 20. All three were charged with the murder of Tequila Smith. Shamsuddeen and Magwood were also treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds at a local hospital. The authorities are still investigating how the two men were shot.
Tequila Smith was a mother of five children, and her death left her family and friends devastated. Her daughter, Lazayrea Smith, expressed her grief and desire for justice, stating that she hoped the suspects would receive the harshest punishment. The family appreciated the quick work of the investigators in apprehending the suspects.
The suspects faced a judge in the Durham County Jail's courtroom, where Pitts and Magwood requested court-appointed lawyers. Magwood appeared in a wheelchair, recovering from his gunshot wounds, while Shamsuddeen remained in the hospital. The next scheduled court appearance for Pitts and Magwood was set for October 6, 2017.
Tequila Smith's death has had a profound impact on her family and the community. Her sister, Shanicka Lewis, emphasized the suffering of Smith's children, who had already lost their father and now faced the loss of their mother. The family and friends of Tequila Smith continue to mourn her loss and seek justice for her untimely death.
