Vallen Davies-Mack, a 17-year-old male from Pittsburgh, PA, tragically lost his life on May 18, 2017, in a fatal shooting at Collingswood Playground in Swissvale. Davies-Mack was found face-down with multiple gunshot wounds to the back, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred early in the morning, and a passerby reported the unresponsive body to the police.
The investigation led to the arrest of William Henry Smoot, a 19-year-old male from Pittsburgh's Homewood
neighborhood. Smoot was charged with homicide, robbery, reckless endangerment, and various firearms violations. According to the criminal complaint, Smoot and two other individuals were smoking marijuana in Wilkinsburg when Smoot expressed a desire to purchase more. One of the individuals arranged a drug deal between Smoot and Davies-Mack at the playground. A witness reported that Smoot pulled a gun on Davies-Mack upon his arrival, and after the shooting, the person who arranged the deal fled the scene.
Smoot was arrested by U.S. Marshals on December 6, 2017, and was taken into custody to await arraignment. However, in a surprising turn of events, Smoot was acquitted of all charges on August 26, 2019. After a 3½-day trial, the jury deliberated for approximately two hours and found Smoot not guilty of the charges related to Davies-Mack's death. The acquittal marked the end of a legal battle that had spanned over two years.
The case drew significant attention and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Davies-Mack's death and the subsequent legal proceedings. Despite the acquittal, the community and Davies-Mack's family were left grappling with the loss and seeking closure.
In summary, Vallen Davies-Mack, a 17-year-old male, was fatally shot at Collingswood Playground in Swissvale on May 18, 2017. William Henry Smoot, a 19-year-old male, was arrested and charged with the crime but was later acquitted of all charges in 2019. The case remains a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges within the criminal justice system.
