On January 11, 2023, a vehicle driven by 33-year-old Gregory James Smith Jr. of Newport News crashed into an apartment building near Spring and Featherstone Courts in Virginia Beach. First responders rendering aid found what appeared to be a gunshot wound on Smith, and medical personnel’s efforts were complicated when a fire began in the vehicle and spread to the building. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene; the Medical Examiner’s Office later determined the official cause of death.

Friends and family described Smith as a peaceful and loving person, a father, and a philanthropist who ran his own clothing line. The homicide investigation led to arrests: 18-year-old Naji Amir Johnson of Virginia Beach was charged with felony murder, robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and motor vehicle theft. Two juveniles, ages 17 and 14, were also taken into custody; the 17-year-old faces felony murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, while the 14-year-old faces felony murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

If anyone has information about Smith, the crash, or the events around January 11, 2023, please share what you know.