At Rest
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In loving memory
William “Billy” Smith
United States · Aged 15 · Died 10/12/2006
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How they died
Deadly force
At about 9:15 p.m., police responded to the Rudgate Manor mobile home park after a woman reported that her 1989 Pontiac Grand Am was being stolen. According to police, 15-year-old William Smith hit a squad car and tried to squeeze the Pontiac between two mobile homes, but wound up crashing into some wooden flower pots. Three officers reportedly pointed their guns at Smith and told him to get out of his car. Smith allegedly revved the engine and pointed a toy handgun at the officers, who shot him. Assistant prosecutor James J. Langtry decided the shooting was justified. Langtry said Smith may have committed "suicide by cop," claiming that officers found rap lyrics in Smith's home that seemed to suggest he wanted to be fatally shot by police.
Alleged responsible partySterling Heights Police DepartmentReported by the cited sources. “Alleged” is used pending verification.
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This record exists so that William “Billy” Smith, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.
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