In the early hours of a cold Saturday morning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 19, 2020, the life of a talented and beloved member of the community, Robb Smith, a 32-year-old male, was tragically cut short. Smith, a well-known local artist and photographer, was leaving a sweet 16 party where he had been working as the event's photographer. The incident occurred outside of Mr.
Jay's Lounge, located on Fond Du Lac Avenue.
As Smith was leaving the venue, he was ambushed and shot in the back of the head. A friend discovered him shortly after on the ground and attempted to administer CPR, but tragically, there was no sign of a heartbeat. The senseless act of violence sent shockwaves through the Milwaukee community, where Smith was celebrated not only for his artistic contributions but also for his vibrant personality and positive impact on those around him.
Robb Smith was a devoted family man, a husband to his wife Zena, and a father to eight children. He was remembered by loved ones as more than just an artist; he was a business owner and a community supporter with a passion for his craft. Many knew him for his paintings and vivid portraits that adorned the city, and his work had even been featured in a music video by the rapper Lil' Baby. Friends and family recalled his infectious energy, his love for life, and his mantra, "ART SAVED ME," which spoke to his belief in the power of creativity to overcome a difficult past.
Despite the public outcry and the profound loss felt by his family and the community, the investigation into Robb Smith's murder has been met with significant challenges. As of August 2021, nearly eight months after his death, the Milwaukee police were still actively searching for the suspect or suspects responsible for his killing. There have been no subsequent public announcements regarding any arrests made or suspects identified in the case, leaving a painful void for a family still seeking justice and a community still mourning the loss of a remarkable individual.
