A suspect in the April 2022 Sacramento mass shooting, identified as Smiley Martin, died in his jail cell at the Sacramento County Main Jail on Saturday, according to multiple reports and his attorney. The exact cause of death is currently unknown.
Martin was facing three felony charges for his involvement in the shooting that left six people dead and 12 others wounded, including two alleged shooters. He was awaiting trial at the time of his death.
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office confirmed Martin's death in a statement on social media, stating that deputies found an unresponsive inmate during a routine cell check and attempted life-saving measures. The Sacramento County Coroner's Office will determine the cause of death and release Martin's name after notification of his next of kin.
Martin was arrested while hospitalized with gunshot wounds following the shooting incident. His brother, Dandrae Martin, was also arrested as a related suspect on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and being a convict carrying a loaded gun. He suffered minor wounds during the incident.
Dandrae Martin posted a live video of himself with a handgun hours before the shooting, according to law enforcement officials.
The Sacramento mass shooting took place in downtown Sacramento near the state Capitol building and involved at least five gunmen. More than 100 shots were fired in rapid-fire succession during the incident, sending hundreds of people desperately trying to reach safety.
This is not the first time an incarcerated person has died at the Sacramento County Main Jail. Two recent cases occurred on May 5 and May 12.
The investigation into Martin's death is ongoing.
