Sacramento, California – The suspected gunman in the tragic mass shooting that took place in Sacramento earlier this year has passed away while in custody, according to reports. The inmate, identified as Smiley Martin, was found unresponsive during a routine check at the Sacramento County Main Jail.
Martin, who had been in custody since April 20, 2022, faced charges of murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machine gun. He was one of the individuals injured in the shooting on April 3, 2022, that resulted in the deaths of six people during a violent gang feud.
Following Martin’s death, his public defender, Norman Dawson, expressed deep sadness and emphasized Martin’s commitment to defending his innocence during the preliminary hearing process. The circumstances surrounding Martin’s death remain unclear, with authorities stating that despite their efforts to save him, he passed away at the jail.
In addition to Martin, his younger brother, Dandrae Martin, was also arrested and charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection to the same mass shooting incident. Another individual, Mtula Payton, was arrested in Las Vegas weeks after the shooting as a third suspect involved in the tragic event.
The Sacramento Sheriff’s Office did not provide specific details on how Smiley Martin died, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the circumstances of his passing. The investigation into the mass shooting in Sacramento continues, with authorities actively pursuing leads and working to bring all responsible individuals to justice.