Hayden Smith, 30, was killed after an early-morning confrontation outside Spanky P’s bar on South Seventh Street in Abilene on October 27, 2024. A self-employed welder and father of two, Caroline and Wesson, he was remembered by family as a devoted parent and outdoorsman. Surveillance video and witness statements show a verbal argument on the bar’s patio that escalated after Smith slapped 32-year-old Anthony Devon Evans. Video and license plate readers place Evans in the parking lot, where he pointed a handgun at Smith, then shot him at least twice as Smith moved toward his vehicle. Smith was taken to Hendrick Hospital and died of his wounds.

Evans surrendered to police the next day and was arrested on an outstanding warrant, initially held on bond set at $500,000 and later reduced to $300,000. A Taylor County grand jury indicted Evans for first-degree felony murder on January 16, 2025. A GoFundMe was started to support Smith’s children.

Does anyone have additional details about Smith’s last night or memories of him to share with the family?