Deleone Smith, a 25-year-old Black / African American man, was shot and later died on September 9, 2014, in Waterbury, Connecticut, after a violent confrontation outside a liquor store. Witnesses told police the dispute turned physical and that Smith allegedly put a gun to Alejandro Hernandez’s throat. According to those accounts, Hernandez then drew a pistol and shot Smith multiple times; after Smith fell, Hernandez reportedly pistol-whipped him. Smith was taken to Saint Mary’s Hospital, where he died.

Police arrested Alejandro Hernandez days after the shooting and he was arraigned in Waterbury Superior Court on murder and other charges. Defense counsel said there might be a legitimate self-defense claim based on witness statements that Smith initially held a gun on Hernandez. A judge set Hernandez’s bond at $2 million.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about Smith’s actions or what happened outside the liquor store, please share what is known.