In the early morning hours of June 7, 2014, a night out for 23-year-old Troy Smith Jr. and his uncle, Attif Smith, turned into a tragedy that would forever alter their family. The two were in West Philadelphia when their car was stopped at the intersection of 54th and Hunter Streets by an armed individual in what police believe was an attempted robbery. Gunshots shattered the quiet of the night, and when police responded at 1:06 a.m., they found Troy Smith with multiple gunshot wounds. Medics who arrived at the scene pronounced him dead.
Troy, who was just a week shy of his 24th birthday, was an aspiring corrections officer with a bright future. He had recently passed the qualifying exam and was eagerly awaiting an interview. Known as a 'family man,' he was a beloved son and brother who was cherished for his outgoing and bubbly personality. He was the type of person who was always there for others, a true gentleman with a kind heart. His mother described him as the 'life of the party,' a young man full of life and promise.
In the same incident, Troy's uncle, Attif Smith, was also shot and found in the passenger seat of their silver Dodge Avenger. He was rushed to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was treated for his injuries. Tragically, the shooting left him paralyzed from the neck down. For nearly two years, he battled with the severe complications of his injuries, but ultimately succumbed to them in March 2016.
The case of Troy Smith Jr.'s murder remains unsolved, a lingering source of pain for his family. As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Philadelphia Police Department continues to investigate the homicide and has asked for the public's assistance in bringing the person responsible to justice. A significant reward has been offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals involved in this senseless act of violence. The family continues to hope that someone will come forward with the information needed to close this painful chapter and provide them with a measure of peace.
