Sacramento, California – The suspected gunman involved in a deadly mass shooting in Sacramento has passed away while in custody, according to reports.
The inmate, identified as Smiley Martin, was found deceased at the Sacramento County Main Jail where he had been in custody since April 20, 2022. Martin, who was 29 years old, was facing charges including murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machine gun. He was one of the individuals injured in the tragic mass shooting that occurred on April 3, 2022, resulting in the loss of six lives during a gang feud turned violent.
Martin’s public defender, Norman Dawson, expressed deep sadness over the unexpected death of his client, highlighting Martin’s determination to prove his innocence during the preliminary hearing process. His younger brother, Dandrae Martin, also faced charges related to the shooting.
In addition to the Martin brothers, a third suspect named Mtula Payton was arrested in Las Vegas weeks after the shooting. The circumstances surrounding Smiley Martin’s death in custody were discovered during a routine check in the jail facility.
Authorities found the inmate unresponsive in the 5-East 300 Pod, and despite attempts at life-saving measures, the man passed away. The cause of Martin’s death was not immediately clear, leaving questions unanswered in the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting in Sacramento.