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James Earl Smothers

Case from Saginaw, MI dated Sep 17, 2017

Victim Details

James Earl Smothers

Male

Black / African American

Saginaw

MI

2017-09-17

26

James

Earl Smothers

07/12/2026

Case Description

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James Earl Smothers, a 26-year-old Black male, was known to friends and family as “Prince Semaj,” a nickname that followed him through Saginaw, Michigan—through school hallways, church, work, and the everyday rhythms of raising his children. In the stories left behind by those who loved him, he comes across as playful and magnetic: someone who liked to dance, take pictures, joke around, and tease the people closest to him, while still showing up as a devoted parent.

Before dawn on ...
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Links to Additional Sources (5)

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  • MLive.com: Police ID man killed in Buena Vista Township on Sunday morning
  • Fatal shots came from ex-girlfriend's vehicle, witnesses testify
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    Forum Posts (2)

    I came across James Earl Smothers' story, and I'm absolutely struck by the lack of progress in his c... ...Read More
    11/14/2024
    Has anyone else noticed how the sense of community seems to play a big role in cases like James Earl... ...Read More
    09/29/2024
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