Mitchel Smith, 35, was fatally shot on January 1, 2017, in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood. Smith was killed in the late morning at Mendell Plaza shortly after being released from jail that day; his body was found with a jail bracelet in his pocket. The shooting was one of two homicides that New Year’s Day, though police said there was no evidence linking the incidents or indicating gang involvement.

Investigators identified Michael Peace as the primary suspect. At a preliminary hearing, witnesses and video tied Peace to a maroon Chrysler seen at the scene and showed him approaching the plaza while holding an object just before shots were fired. The vehicle was recovered about a mile away and a .40 caliber Glock later recovered at a nearby residence matched the ballistics. DNA from Peace and another individual was found on the firearm; forensic analysis of mixed samples was used to connect Peace to the weapon. Judge Brian Ferrall ruled there was sufficient evidence to send the case to trial and Peace remained in custody pending arraignment.

If anyone knew Smith, saw activity around Mendell Plaza on January 1, 2017, or has information about the maroon Chrysler, please come forward.