A 29-year-old man connected to a 2022 mass shooting in Sacramento, California, which resulted in six deaths, was found deceased in his jail cell over the weekend, as confirmed by his attorney to Fox News Digital on Monday.
Smiley Martin, who was awaiting trial on three felony charges related to the April 3, 2022, shooting, passed away early Saturday morning, according to his public defender Norman Dawson, who provided a written statement to Fox News Digital.
“It is most tragic that Mr. Martin passed away, fighting to defend his innocence in the preliminary hearing process,” the statement read.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, without naming the deceased inmate, posted on social media that a 29-year-old inmate died in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail on Saturday around 2:15 a.m.
Sacramento Mass Shooter Smiley Martin Found Dead In Jail Cell https://t.co/gW2AQcrevd
— Hustlers Motif (@HustlersMotif) June 9, 2024
According to the sheriff’s office, the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death and release the man’s name once his next of kin have been notified. The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the death.
Jail deputies discovered an unresponsive inmate during a cell check, the sheriff’s office reported. Deputies immediately attempted life-saving measures as medical staff and the fire department responded, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Martin was awaiting trial on felony charges of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession and transport of a machine gun, all connected to the April 3, 2022, shooting.
More than 100 shots were fired around 2 a.m. in a downtown entertainment area near the state Capitol building as bar patrons were spilling into the streets at closing time. Videos from witnesses on social media captured rapid gunfire for at least 45 seconds, accompanied by screams and people fleeing in terror.
Smiley Martin, suspect in 2022 downtown Sacramento shooting, found dead in sheriff’s jail cellhttps://t.co/SZHdsOACVG pic.twitter.com/Xx6jgQdt1F
— Sam Stanton (@StantonSam) June 8, 2024
Three women and three men were killed, and 12 others were injured during the shooting, including two of the alleged shooters. Police stated that at least five gunmen were involved.
Martin, who was 27 at the time, was arrested while hospitalized with gunshot wounds and later charged.
Martin’s brother, Dandrae Martin, 26 at the time, was also arrested as a suspect on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He sustained minor injuries in the shooting.
A third man, Mtula Payton, was also charged in connection with the shooting.
