Darius Smith, 15

Arcadia, California
May 27, 2017

Agencies: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department California LASD | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

A 15-year-old boy died after being shot by an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent who was allegedly attacked by the armed teen and two accomplices Friday evening, May 26, 2017 in Arcadia, authorities said.

The teen, identified as Pasadena resident Darius Smith, was pronounced dead at a hospital Saturday morning, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. A second suspect, age 14, remained hospitalized with gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening.

The incident was reported at 8:13 p.m. Friday in the area of First Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, said sheriff's Deputy Caroline Rodriguez.

The customs agent was walking on a sidewalk when he was attacked from behind by the boys - two 14-year-olds and Smith, authorities said. One of the assailants allegedly repeatedly struck the agent in the head as another pointed a gun at him and demanded his property.

"The victim thought the subjects were going to rob and shoot him so he retrieved his department-issued handgun," Rodriguez said. "The victim shot at the subjects in an effort to defend himself."

According to investigators, the armed teen and one of his accomplices were struck by the agent's gunfire. The third boy, who was unharmed, fled the scene on foot.

The agent suffered bruising to his face but did not require medical attention. The agency has not commented or released the name of the agent.

The wounded suspects each sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were transported to a hospital.

Arcadia police officers recovered a handgun allegedly held by Smith at the scene, deputies said.

The boy who ran from the scene was subsequently found at a nearby home and taken into custody. He was booked at Central Juvenile Hall in Boyle Heights on suspicion of robbery.

The two 14-year-old boys' identities were withheld due to their age.

A CHILD WAS EXECUTED IN COLD BLOOD ...

On Friday May 26, 2017 fifteen-year-old Darius Smith was executed by an off duty law enforcement officer. He was shot twice in the legs before being shot three more times in the chest at close range. Multiple witnesses say his assailant dropped him with the shots to the legs and then stood over him and emptied three rounds into his chest. Two of his friends attempted to get out of harms way by running in different directions. The shooter took aim at them as well. He caught one with a shot to the buttocks and another shot to the hand. As the man approached, the child plead for his life. He begged the shooter not to shoot him any more. Instead the unidentified shooter pursued his friends, shooting multiple rounds at the boys as they ran for their lives.

The two teenagers that survived the shooters array of bullets will be facing criminal charges for the murder of their friend. The man who killed one teen, wounded another and put a third in eminent fear for his life, faces no criminal liability whatsoever. This is the state of America concerning black lives and law enforcement.

These three boys, two fifteen-year-olds and a fourteen year old, were headed to a nearby Friday market event; a common Friday night hang out for local teens. They were traveling by rail and got off at the appropriate stop. Their assailant got off at this stop as well. Its unclear how the four became involved in a dispute. The shooter claims the boys attacked him yielding a toy gun and demanding money. Its not uncommon for law enforcement to cry self-defense in order to justify an indefensible shooting. This tactic becomes even more convenient given our society’s rush to criminalize people of color. So these three boys, with no criminal records, suddenly decide to become armed robbers, in broad day light, at a popular Friday night rail stop and chose as their victim a man apparently carrying nothing at all of value. This is the only version of events being promoted in the media. The limited information the families have been able to receive from the two surviving boys (both in custody) assert that there was no robbery attempt. It seems clear there was some sort of dispute and that this dispute was ended when this law enforcement officer began shooting indiscriminately at defenseless children. The majority of the evidence available indicates that the officer shot a child to death in cold blood and try to kill the others as well. The boys and other independent witnesses confirm the apparent criminal intent of the custom’s agent. He sits at home, a free man. A fourteen year old child is being held in police custody at a local hospital. A fifteen-year-old is incarcerated in a juvenile facility. Darius Smith’s body is still the custody of the medical examiner. He’ll never go home again.

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