In the quiet community of Accomac, Virginia, the morning of March 6, 2022, was shattered by a grim discovery. Responding to a call about an unresponsive person, deputies from the Accomack County Sheriff's Office arrived at a residence on Dummondtown Road just after 8:00 a.m. Inside, they found 41-year-old Jamar Antwyn Smith, a male resident of Onancock, who was suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, Mr. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was subsequently transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner's Office to officially determine the cause of death. Known affectionately as 'Muscle' to his friends and family, Jamar was remembered for his good heart and willingness to help others, as well as a witty sense of humor that could fill a room with laughter.
For over a year, the investigation into Jamar Smith's death continued, leaving a community searching for answers. Then, in May of 2023, a breakthrough came. Following proceedings by a multi-jurisdictional grand jury, an indictment was handed down, and an arrest was made. Thirty-four-year-old Vontrell Lataize Trader of Accomac was taken into custody and charged in connection with the shooting death of Jamar Smith. The indictments against Trader included second-degree murder, the use of a firearm in the commission of a murder, and possession of a firearm by a violent felon.
Court records revealed that the alleged crimes occurred on Trader's 33rd birthday. It was also noted that Trader had four prior felony convictions, including a 2018 conviction for robbery and the use of a firearm in a felony. Following his arrest for the murder of Jamar Smith, Vontrell Trader was held without bond.
