In the late summer of 2016, a life full of promise was tragically cut short on the streets of Memphis. Laborick 'Voe' Smith, a 23-year-old African American man, was fatally wounded on August 25, 2016. A graduate of Douglass High School who had gone on to attend Lane College, Smith was known by those who loved him as a kind, well-mannered, and determined individual.
His death sent ripples of grief through his family and the wider community, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of street violence.
The incident that claimed Smith's life unfolded outside a convenience store located at the intersection of Springdale Street and Brown Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood. A dispute with another man escalated to gunfire, and Smith was struck multiple times. Another person was also injured in the shooting, which was so chaotic that a stray bullet even struck a MATA bus, though fortunately, no one on board was harmed. The altercation was later described as a confrontation with a rival gang member.
In the aftermath of the shooting, investigators identified Christian Myles, then 21 years old, as the individual responsible for Smith's death. Following his arrest, Myles admitted to the shooting. He was subsequently charged and ultimately pleaded guilty to the murder of Laborick Smith. As a result of his plea, Myles was sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of the second individual who was wounded during the fatal encounter. The resolution of the case brought a measure of justice for a life taken too soon, though the loss of a young man described as sweet and kind continues to be felt by his family and friends.
