Michael Smith

How they died

Deadly force

A plainclothes officer shot and killed Michael Smith when he allegedly tried to grab his gun at a Woodlawn convenience store. Smith, his brother and a friend were leaving the store when two officers asked them to put their hands up. According to police, the officers were in the area after a robbery victim called them about the three men in the store. The officers were searching them when Smith allegedly reached for one officer's gun. Police said there was a struggle, and that the officer gained control of the weapon, then shot Smith once in the abdomen. However, witnesses said that Smith did not reach for a gun or engage in any struggle.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Michael Smith, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources