Deleone Smith, a 25-year-old Black / African American male, died on September 9, 2014, in Waterbury, Connecticut, following a violent altercation. The incident that led to his death unfolded outside a liquor store where he and another man, Alejandro Hernandez, had a confrontation.
According to witness statements provided to the police, the dispute escalated to a physical level. It was reported that Smith put a gun to Hernandez's throat.
In response, Hernandez, a convicted drug dealer, drew his own pistol and shot Smith multiple times. The sound of gunfire sent bystanders running for cover. After Smith fell to the ground, Hernandez allegedly proceeded to pistol-whip him. Deleone Smith was transported to Saint Mary's Hospital where he ultimately died.
In the days following the shooting, police arrested Alejandro Hernandez in connection with Deleone Smith's death. He was subsequently arraigned in Waterbury Superior Court on charges of murder and other offenses. During the court proceedings, Hernandez's lawyer indicated a potential "legitimate self-defense claim," pointing to the witness accounts of Smith initially holding a gun on his client. A judge set Hernandez's bond at $2 million.
