Darnell Smith’s family never expected him – a pastor’s son and an ambitious student – to get killed in a hail of gunfire. For a young man without even a whisper of a criminal record, no one would have expected his life to end in such a violent way at the age of twenty. But Darnell Smith’s death became entangled in a world his family was never a part of — and left investigators scrambling to unravel what would soon become a neighborhood nightmare. For more than a decade it seemed like there was no hope for justice… but when our reports went to visit one of the crime scenes … they may have stumbled upon the key to solving this case.
Listen to the first-ever in-depth coverage of Darnell Smith’s case only on The Deck.
Courtesy of San Diego Crime Stoppers
Episode Info
If you know anything about the murder of Darnell Smith in San Diego, California, on June 15, 2008…It’s time to come forward. Currently, there’s a 3,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers of San Diego at 888-580-8477. You can also call Detective Barr’s desk phone at 619-531-2239.
Resources: A book by Francis Jones, Darnell’s stepmother: “Why? My Journey of Overcoming Grief.”
A photo of Darnell Smith. Courtesy: Donna Jones Littleton
Detective Tracey Barr and reporter Annie Roderique-Jones visit the scene where Darnell Smith was shot. Photo taken by Audiochuck staff
The neighbor’s wall where the bullets that killed Darnell can still be found. Photo taken by Audiochuck staff
The intersection where Johnny crashed and died. Photo taken by Audiochuck staff
Episode Source Material
Original reporting by Annie Roderique-Jones and Nicole Kagan