Kenneth Dewayne Smith was 26 when he was fatally shot in Fairfield, Alabama, on January 6, 2024 — a day after his birthday. A loved one was on the phone with him and heard him grunting as if struggling to speak; her screams prompted a bystander to take the phone and urge her to come to the scene. Shell casings were found on the ground and Smith reportedly had a slight pulse at one point, but died before help arrived.

Smith was described as a devoted father who grew up in Avondale and attended Wenonah High School; friends and family said he was working to better himself for his son and mother. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, no arrests or public suspect identifications had been announced, and Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama has offered up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

If anyone saw activity in Fairfield on January 6, 2024, or has information about this shooting, please come forward.