SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Following the tragic mass shooting in Sacramento that took the lives of six individuals on April 3, 2022, more details have emerged surrounding the case. The suspected gunman, Smiley Martin, who was one of the 12 individuals injured in the incident, has tragically died while in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail. Martin, aged 29, had been incarcerated since April 20, 2022, facing charges that included murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machine gun.
According to sources, the public defender representing Martin expressed deep sorrow over his sudden passing, emphasizing Martin’s commitment to proving his innocence during the legal proceedings. Alongside Martin, his younger brother, Dandrae Martin, was also charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection to the mass shooting incident. Additionally, a third suspect, Mtula Payton, was apprehended in Las Vegas some weeks after the shooting.
Martin’s death was discovered during a routine cell check at the Sacramento County Main Jail, where authorities found him unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive him, Martin ultimately passed away in custody. The circumstances surrounding Martin’s death have not been disclosed publicly, leaving questions about the cause of his demise.
The Sacramento community remains on edge as they grapple with the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting and now the unexpected death of one of the suspects involved. The investigation into the incident continues, with authorities working diligently to bring justice to the victims and their families. As the case unfolds, more details are expected to surface, shedding light on the events that transpired on that fateful day in April.