On the evening of May 5, 2024, Stanley Smith Jr., a 41-year-old Black/African American male, found himself in a fatal confrontation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Smith was at the Scene 1 Restaurant & Lounge on West North Avenue when an announcement warned patrons that people were breaking into cars in the area. He went to check on his own vehicle, a black SUV, parked near the Taco Bell at 5630 W. North Ave.
Upon reaching his vehicle, Smith intervened in an attempt to stop the theft.
He was seen struggling with several masked individuals before shots rang out. Smith was shot four times, with two of the wounds being to his head. He succumbed to his injuries a few days later. The incident was not a random act of violence, but rather connected to an organized auto theft crew from Chicago that targeted high-end SUVs in the Milwaukee area.
In the weeks following the shooting, law enforcement made several arrests in connection with Smith's death. Four men from Chicago were taken into custody: 19-year-old Lamont Stanton, 18-year-old Correnthis Neal, 17-year-old Tramaine Walton, and 30-year-old Jovani Velazquez. The arrests of Stanton, Neal, and Walton occurred after a police chase in downtown Milwaukee. Velazquez was apprehended a few days later after police tracked his phone.
The suspects face multiple charges for their alleged roles in the events that led to Smith's death. Lamont Stanton has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide. All four men, including Stanton, face charges of attempted armed carjacking. Additionally, Neal, Walton, and Velazquez have been charged with felony murder. Prosecutors stated that the group specifically traveled to Milwaukee from Chicago to steal expensive vehicles.
