Anthony Charles Smith, a 51-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on October 8, 2016, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Smith was employed as an armed security guard at a Food Lion store located at 2316 E. Market Street. On the evening of the incident, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Smith was found unresponsive at the entrance of the store, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head.
He was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The investigation revealed that a lone suspect, described as a heavy-set male in his early 30s, approached the store on foot and entered armed with a handgun. The suspect immediately confronted Smith and shot him at close range. After the shooting, the suspect took Smith's service weapon and fled the scene on foot. There was no apparent attempt to rob the store or any individuals inside, and no disturbance was reported prior to the shooting.
Following extensive media coverage and tips from the public, Nature Maurice Williams, a 16-year-old student at Eastern Guilford High School, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Williams made his first court appearance on October 18, 2016, where it was revealed that he could face life in prison for the murder charge and up to 20 years for the robbery charge. Due to his age, Williams is not eligible for the death penalty.
The case drew significant attention from the community and law enforcement, with the State Bureau of Investigation and the Guilford County Sheriff's Office assisting in the investigation and apprehension of Williams. The firearm used in the shooting, as well as Smith's stolen service weapon, have not been recovered.
