Sacramento, California – The suspected gunman involved in a mass shooting that took the lives of six individuals in Sacramento has passed away while in custody, as reported recently. The inmate, identified as Smiley Martin, succumbed to his death at the Sacramento County Main Jail, where he had been held since April 20, 2022.
Martin, who was facing charges of murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machine gun, was one of 12 individuals injured during the fatal gang feud that resulted in the tragic mass shooting on April 3, 2022. His public defender expressed deep sorrow over Martin’s sudden passing while he was fighting to prove his innocence throughout the preliminary hearing process.
Following the incident, Martin’s younger brother, Dandrae Martin, also faced charges of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. Another individual involved in the shooting, Mtula Payton, was apprehended in Las Vegas several weeks after the tragic event, further unraveling the details surrounding the case.
The unfortunate discovery of Martin’s death occurred during a routine cell check at the Sacramento County Main Jail, specifically in the 5-East 300 Pod, where authorities found him unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive him, Martin could not be saved, leaving questions lingering about the circumstances that led to his untimely demise.
The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department did not release details regarding the cause of Martin’s death, leaving an air of mystery surrounding the events that unfolded within the confines of the jail. With key players involved in the mass shooting facing legal consequences, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic incident that claimed multiple lives and left many others injured.
As investigations into the case persist and more information is unveiled, the Sacramento community remains vigilant in seeking justice for the victims and their families affected by the senseless act of violence that shook the city to its core. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding this case, authorities are determined to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.