In the Tulane-Gravier neighborhood of New Orleans, on the evening of August 27, 2023, William Bailey III, a 44-year-old male, was fatally shot. The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. in the 2600 block of Poydras Street. New Orleans Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Mr. Bailey and a female companion inside a vehicle. Mr. Bailey had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The female victim suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office later confirmed William Bailey III's identity and determined that his death was a result of the gunshot injuries he sustained.
Following the shooting, detectives from the NOPD Homicide Unit launched an investigation that led them to identify 39-year-old Bobby Smith Jr. as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Smith on a charge of second-degree murder. With the assistance of the NOPD's Special Operations Division, Bobby Smith Jr. was apprehended on August 29, 2023. He was then booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
Further details emerged about the suspect, Bobby Smith Jr., revealing a prior criminal record. Court records indicated a previous arrest in 2022 on charges that included second-degree robbery and domestic violence abuse. At the time of his arrest for the homicide of William Bailey III, there was an outstanding warrant for Smith due to his failure to appear for a court hearing in November 2022 while he was out on bond. As of late August 2023, Smith remained in custody, with his bond for the murder charge yet to be set. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting that led to the death of William Bailey III is ongoing. Authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward and contact NOPD Homicide Section detectives or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans.
