On a tragic morning in Memphis, Tennessee, the life of 23-year-old Jyrah Smith was cut short. On May 23, 2025, Smith, a mother of three, was fatally shot at an apartment complex on East Georgia Avenue. Responding to a call at approximately 6:00 a.m., Memphis Police discovered Smith with a gunshot wound to her head. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation quickly focused on her 27-year-old boyfriend, D'Angelo Mitchell.
He was apprehended at the apartment complex where the shooting occurred. Following his arrest, Mitchell was charged with second-degree murder. In his statement to investigators, he claimed that he was awakened by voices and a knock on his door. He alleged that upon opening the door, he saw what he thought was 'a man with dreads' and fired his shotgun. Tragically, the person at the door was his girlfriend, Jyrah Smith.
Further investigation revealed that Mitchell had a history of domestic violence charges. He was reportedly out on bond for previous domestic violence incidents at the time of the shooting. Smith's family expressed their profound grief and shock, stating that the justice system had failed to protect their daughter. They revealed that Mitchell had recently moved into the same apartment complex as Smith and that the two had been dating for only a couple of months. Smith's brother discovered her body as he was leaving for work. The family also stated that Mitchell had previously threatened to harm Smith and her three young children. D'Angelo Mitchell is currently being held on a significant bond.
