INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Authorities have learned K.D. Smith Jr., the victim of a fatal shooting occurring in the early morning hours of July 21 south of Vero Beach, was visiting a friend after leaving his typical shift at the Gifford night club Chocolate City.
When he arrived at the residence in the 300th block of 6th Road, a woman inside the home heard what she believed to be gun shots. She opened the front door to find Smith collapsed on the ground but not visibly bleeding.
Once Smith was transferred to the Indian River County Medical Center, doctors found a gunshot wound to his torso. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
In an official statement released by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Deryl Loar said, “K.D. Smith Jr. was well known in our local community. Our hearts go out to his friends and family in this difficult time. Our detectives have worked tirelessly to bring Mr. Smith’s killer to justice. We will find out who did this and get them off the streets.”
Detectives are asking anyone who was at Chocolate City on the evening of July 20 and may have witnessed any events that led to the death of Smith please come forward with information.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Charlie Clark at (772) 978-6188 reference case number 2014-122305. Callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 by calling Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS.
July 21, 8:46 a.m.
VERO BEACH — As law enforcement continues to investigate the homicide of K.D. Smith, authorities say evidence leads them to believe it was an isolated incident in which the victim was targeted.
“It was definitely not a drive-by shooting,” said Indian River County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Eric Flowers. He confirmed the area is not known for gang activity or violence of any kind.
Flowers said evidence collected so far has led authorities to believe the victim was likely acquainted with his shooter.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
July 21, 7:43 a.m.
VERO BEACH — A 66-year-old black male identified this morning as K.D. Smith Jr. was shot and killed overnight, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Smith’s girlfriend was inside a home on the 300th block of 6th Road SW when she heard two shots fired and opened the front door to find Smith collapsed on the ground.
She placed a 911 call at 2:07 a.m. to report the shots fired, but after seeing no signs of blood, reported she thought Smith had suffered from a heart attack, according to Sgt. Eric Flowers, spokesman for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Once paramedics arrived on scene they began delivering CPR. Smith was pronounced dead at the hospital. One bullet wound was found in his arm, but doctors did not find the wound until they removed Smith’s clothes as no blood was visible.
Detectives are still on scene and investigating in the Whispering Palm neighborhood where the incident occurred.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
