Michael Smith, 44, was found dead in the 400 block of Craft Street in Holly Springs, Mississippi, on the morning of July 20, 2022. Officers arrived at about 8:56 a.m. and discovered Smith unresponsive and lying face down with a gunshot wound to the back that appeared to have been inflicted at close range. The coroner pronounced him dead at the scene and his body was taken to the state medical examiner’s office for autopsy.

Smith was the manager of the local Dollar Tree and was remembered by customers as outgoing and helpful. A multi-agency manhunt followed the shooting; authorities identified 30-year-old David Earl Thomas Jr. as the suspect. Thomas evaded capture for several hours before surrendering at about 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Starlite Grocery after his mother intervened. He was charged with murder and a judge denied him bond as a flight risk. Investigators say the shooting may have arisen from a domestic dispute, and Thomas later led officers to a handgun on Higdon Road believed to be the weapon used.

If anyone knew Michael or has information about the shooting, please come forward.