Fredrick Smith Jr.

Fredrick Smith Jr., a 22-year-old Black man, was in his car in Jackson, Mississippi, on a Sunday afternoon when his life was violently cut short. He was a son and a member of his community whose death left his loved ones seeking answers and justice.

The shooting occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on August 9, 2020. Fredrick was at the intersection of Ellis Avenue and John R. Lynch Street in west Jackson when an individual in another vehicle fired shots into his car. He was struck at least once by the gunfire. Emergency services rushed Fredrick to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, on Monday, August 10, 2020.

The Jackson Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the homicide. In the days following the shooting, authorities released a key piece of evidence to the public in the hopes of generating leads. The evidence was a photograph taken by a surveillance camera showing a vehicle believed to be connected to the crime. The car, captured just moments before the shooting, was described as a white, four-door hatchback.

Investigators have not publicly identified a motive for the attack. As of August 2020, no arrests had been made in connection with Fredrick’s death, and his case remains unsolved. Authorities are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477).