Roger Smith, a 71-year-old African American man from Fort Worth, Texas, was fatally shot on January 1, 2025, while confronting a suspect who was burglarizing his vehicle. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a bingo hall on Crowley Road, where Mr. Smith had just concluded an evening of leisure. Upon noticing someone rummaging through his truck, he approached the individual, leading to a fatal confrontation. Witnesses reported seeing Mr.
Smith fall to the ground after an altercation, and the suspect fled the scene in a white SUV.
The Fort Worth Police Department swiftly initiated an investigation. Surveillance footage from the area helped identify the suspect's vehicle as a white 2020 Mazda. On January 3, 2025, officers stopped a vehicle matching this description on Alta Mesa Boulevard. The driver, 33-year-old Kenyan Deon Buchanan, was arrested and charged with capital murder. A passenger in the vehicle informed police that Buchanan had shot Mr. Smith during the burglary and subsequently took his wallet and cell phone. The stolen items were later recovered at Buchanan's parents' residence in Saginaw, Texas.
Mr. Smith was known affectionately as "RJ" among his close friends. Born on January 16, 1953, to Roger Jones and Eloise Harris Jones, he was the eldest of their children. A graduate of Polytechnical High School in 1970, Mr. Smith was a self-employed landscaper who took pride in his appearance and cherished social interactions. His love for his family was profound, and he was considered a pillar in his community. His passing has left a significant void among those who knew and loved him.
The tragic loss of Roger Smith underscores the dangers individuals may face when confronting criminal activities. His death not only devastated his family and friends but also resonated throughout the Fort Worth community, highlighting the urgent need for addressing violent crimes and ensuring public safety.
