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Man Gunned Down While in Town For Grandfather's Funeral

By Jen Sabella | January 12, 2013 6:19pm
 Roy Smith was fatally shot June 16 in Austin.
Roy Smith was fatally shot June 16 in Austin.
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CHICAGO — Roy Smith was visiting Chicago for a funeral when he became a victim of the city's violent 2012.

Smith, 25, was living in Atlanta, but came north for funeral services for his grandfather in June.

“He was my high school sweetheart,” said a devastated Jaquita Grant, 24, Smith's fiancé. “He would do anything for me.”

Smith lived with Grant and their three children in Atlanta. Smith went to Chicago for the funeral. She stayed home with the children.

While in town, on June 19, he went to visit an old friend in Austin — Smith's former neighborhood. 

Smith and Chaves Wilson, 22, were in front of Wilson’s home when they were both gunned down, authorities said. A family member of Wilson’s said the two were shot during a robbery attempt.

Smith sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the 1200 block of North Mason Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Deola Smith, 65, said Austin-area “gang thugs” are likely to blame for her grandson’s death. No arrests have been made in the double homicide, according to Chicago police data.

“He was all about his family and work,” said Smith's grandmother Deola Smith. “They’ll shoot anybody … they don’t care.”