Sacramento, California – A 29-year-old man facing charges related to a mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of six individuals and the injury of 12 others in Sacramento, California, passed away in jail over the weekend, according to his attorney. The suspect, Smiley Martin, was accused of murder and two counts of felony firearms possession in connection to the chaotic shooting incident that involved multiple shooters and a significant number of shell casings scattered at the crime scene. Additionally, two other individuals, one of whom was Martin’s brother, were also apprehended in connection with the violent event.
Martin’s attorney, Norman Dawson, received news of his client’s death early on a Saturday. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a 29-year-old inmate was found unresponsive in his cell around 2:15 a.m. and despite efforts to save him, was pronounced deceased. Although the sheriff’s office did not disclose the inmate’s identity, it was revealed that he had been in custody since Martin’s arrest on April 20, 2022. An investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death will be conducted, with the cause of death to be determined by the county coroner’s office.
Expressing deep sorrow, Dawson emphasized the unexpected nature of Martin’s passing while highlighting his client’s commitment to proving his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. The defense team extended their condolences to Martin’s family and assured their ongoing support. Following the shooting in downtown Sacramento, which was believed to be driven by gang-related violence involving multiple shooters, the police did not provide further details regarding the suspects’ gang affiliations at that time.
At the scene of the shooting, Martin was found with significant gunshot wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, his brother, Dandrae Martin, who also sustained injuries in the incident, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and firearm possession as a felon. He remains in custody without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for August 16. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing gang-related violence and the associated consequences for individuals and communities affected by such criminal activities.