Shemar Jashad Smith was 22 when he was shot and killed in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the evening of April 13, 2023. Police responding to reports of gunfire on King’s Drive in the Waltersville Estate area located a male body; Smith was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators identified Markevius Sturdivant as a suspect. Sturdivant was arrested and charged in connection with Smith’s murder. In Warren County Circuit Court, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. During sentencing the court heard statements from the defendant and from Smith’s family; Smith’s grandmother addressed Sturdivant directly, saying she did not hate him but hated what he did and describing her pain visiting her grandson’s grave. The judge sentenced Sturdivant to 40 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 12 years to be served.

If anyone witnessed the shooting on King’s Drive or has information about events that night, please come forward.