A man is found shot to death on the ramp to I-264 In the summer of 1992, the life of Robert Lawrence Smith Jr., a 39-year-old African-American man, was tragically cut short in Portsmouth, Virginia. A graduate of Hampton University who had furthered his education at the Medical College of Virginia, Smith was a respected art instructor, sharing his passion at institutions including Virginia Union University. On June 20th of that year, his body was discovered on the ramp connecting South Street to Interstate 264.
He had been shot to death.
The circumstances surrounding the murder of Robert Lawrence Smith Jr. remained shrouded in mystery. In the initial investigation, law enforcement officials were unable to publicly identify any significant suspects, and the case eventually grew cold. Despite the passage of time, the investigation into his homicide is still considered an active case by the Virginia State Police.
Over the decades, the unsolved murder has been highlighted through cold case initiatives in the hope that new information might emerge. Investigators have continued to appeal to the public for any details that could shed light on the events leading to Smith's death. To date, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly named in connection with the crime, leaving a painful void for his family and community.
