In the spring of 2024, a young Black man named JaVonte D. Smith, 19, of Roanoke, Virginia, lost his life in a violent encounter that unfolded during an attempted illegal firearm transaction. On the evening of April 24, Smith, in the company of 18-year-old Jae'vian M. Allen, met with two juvenile males on Stratford Park Drive SW with the intention of selling a firearm.
The situation quickly escalated when Smith and Allen allegedly attempted to rob the two teenagers.
In a sudden turn of events, one of the juveniles produced his own firearm and shot both Smith and Allen. The two teenagers then fled the scene. Emergency services responded to reports of shots fired and found both victims with gunshot wounds. Smith was critically injured and rushed to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he was placed on life support. Despite medical efforts, JaVonte D. Smith succumbed to his injuries two days later, on April 26. His family remembered him as an outgoing and determined individual who deeply loved his young daughter. Allen's injuries were reported as not life-threatening.
Following the incident, law enforcement located the two juveniles at a residence in Roanoke County. On April 29, 2024, Jae'vian M. Allen was arrested and charged with robbery in connection with the deadly shooting. Authorities have stated that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing to fully understand the circumstances of that fatal evening.
