A 29-year-old man, Smiley Martin, who was linked to a 2022 mass shooting in Sacramento, California that killed six people, was found dead in his jail cell over the weekend. He was awaiting trial on felony charges related to the April 3 shooting, which included murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession and transport of a machine gun. The cause of his death is still being investigated by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, and his next of kin are being notified. Jail deputies discovered him unresponsive during a cell check and attempted life-saving procedures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The mass shooting in Sacramento occurred on April 3, 2022, in a downtown entertainment area near the state Capitol building, where more than 100 shots were fired around 2 a.m. Witnesses captured the chaotic scene on video, showing rapid gunfire for at least 45 seconds as bar patrons scattered in panic. Three women and three men were killed, and 12 others were injured, including two of the alleged shooters. At least five gunmen were involved in the incident. Smiley Martin, who was 27 at the time, was arrested while hospitalized with gunshot wounds and later charged, along with his brother Dandrae Martin, who was also arrested as a suspect on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of the 29-year-old inmate in the county’s main jail but did not disclose his identity. The inmate was found dead early Saturday morning, and deputies attempted life-saving measures before pronouncing him dead at the scene. The cause of death will be determined by the coroner’s office. Martin’s attorney, Norman Dawson, expressed sadness at his client’s passing and highlighted Martin’s efforts to defend his innocence during the preliminary hearing process. Another man, Mtula Payton, was also charged in connection with the shooting.
The investigation into the mass shooting in Sacramento is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence to determine the complete chain of events and those responsible for the violence. The tragic incident shocked the community and led to multiple casualties, prompting law enforcement to swiftly make arrests and press charges against the alleged perpetrators. The shooting took place during closing time in the entertainment area, leaving many innocent bystanders injured or killed as gunfire erupted on the streets.
The death of Smiley Martin, who was awaiting trial in connection with the Sacramento mass shooting, adds another layer of complexity to the case. While his passing in jail raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims of the shooting and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The Sacramento community continues to mourn the lives lost and support those affected by the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day. The memory of the victims lives on as authorities work diligently to uncover the truth behind the senseless act of violence that shook the city to its core.
