Theron Crawford, a 48-year-old Black male, was tragically shot and killed in Dallas, Texas, on June 1, 2020. The incident occurred early in the morning on the 5200 block of Colonial Avenue. When officers responded to a shooting call, they found Crawford outside a home, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Dallas police launched an investigation, interviewing several witnesses and canvassing the area for more information.
The investigation revealed that Crawford was involved in a confrontation with a woman named Michelle Nwachi, also known as "Shay," who was attempting to collect a $50 debt for drugs. During the altercation, Kenvairiay Jevera Smith, who was present at the scene, became involved. Smith and Crawford exchanged heated words, and Smith ultimately shot Crawford multiple times. Crawford fell to the ground, bleeding, while others at the scene fled.
Smith was arrested and charged with murder. During the trial, the prosecution presented text messages sent from Smith's phone on the day of the shooting, including messages to his girlfriend and a friend, confessing to the shooting. The jury convicted Smith of murder, and he was sentenced to sixty-five years in prison. The defense argued that Smith acted in self-defense, but the jury rejected this claim. The case was tried in the Criminal District Court No. 3 of Dallas County, Texas, and the judgment included an affirmative deadly weapon finding.
