On the evening of May 19, 2020, 32-year-old Evan L. Dill-Smith, a male resident of Chester, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot in what was later described as a tragic case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred shortly before 6:15 p.m. near the intersection of Eighth and Wood Streets. First responders discovered Dill-Smith on the ground with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was transported to Crozer-Chester Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m.
At the scene, investigators found a vehicle that Dill-Smith was apparently operating, which had two bullet holes in the passenger-side window. His death marked the 19th homicide in the city of Chester that year.
Known affectionately as “Mooks” to his friends and family, Evan Dill-Smith was born on February 4, 1988, in Chester. He was a father, son, and brother, remembered for his loving nature. He had previously worked for a tree care and plant health management company and later started his own business of buying, fixing, and selling cars.
The investigation into his death led to the identification and arrest of a suspect. The subsequent legal proceedings revealed that Dill-Smith was not the intended target of the shooting. The individual responsible for his death was found guilty of first-degree murder. Following the conviction, the perpetrator was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
