Willie James Iv Smith, a 22-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 28, 2013, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident that led to his death began with a fight that broke out near the Blue Nile Restaurant and Lounge, located at 2027 East Franklin Avenue. Police were called to the scene near 21st Avenue South and East Franklin Avenue approximately two hours before the bars were scheduled to close to break up the initial altercation.
After the
crowd was dispersed, some individuals reportedly returned to the location with firearms. It was during this subsequent confrontation that Willie James Smith III, of St. Paul, was shot in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office. Another individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment.
In the days following the shooting, Minneapolis police had not taken anyone into custody in connection with the homicide. The investigation into the death of Willie James Smith III remained open, and authorities had not publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest in the case. The shooting was a result of the earlier conflict that escalated to deadly violence.
