HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Henrico Police detectives are asking the public for help solving the murder of 16-year-old Dazel Tremaine Smith Jr., shot and killed near his apartment two months ago.
Officers were called to the area near Balmoral Avenue and Fernwood Street around 10:40 p.m. on May 30 for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Henrico County
Tucker High School student killed at Henrico apartment complex shooting
Crime Insider sources said he was shot in the chest.
The location is off Staples Mill Road, not far from the Amtrak station.
Smith was just a few weeks away from starting his senior year at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico's West End. He was an only child. Family members said he was a leader who lived his 16 years to the fullest.
He also worked at a McDonald's on Staples Mill Road, within walking distance of the apartment he shared with his mother. His manager, Michelle Menzer, said his work ethic was unmatched and that he was known for always wearing a smile and having a positive attitude.
"He was really a good kid at the job. Anything we asked him to do, that boy did anything," Menzer said. "It's been really disheartening for the job, and a lot of people that work there. Some don't work there no more. It was just a lot, you know?"
Smith's mother told CBS 6 off camera that the grief is unbearable, that his loss is the worst pain she has ever dealt with, and that she shudders to think about the months and years of grieving she has ahead.
His colleagues are hoping an arrest will bring some relief.
"I hope he gets justice. That's my biggest thing. He deserves justice, his family deserves justice," Menzer said.
Henrico Schools identified Smith as a Tucker High student after his death.
"Our hearts are with the student's family and the entire Tucker High School community as they grieve the loss of a loved one, friend and classmate. Although the school year has ended, school counselors are available to provide support and resources for students coping with this tragedy. Families may contact the school counseling office to make an appointment," a Henrico Schools spokesperson said.
Detectives have not released details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or any suspect information.
"No matter how small or insignificant the tip may seem, it could be the information needed to solve this case," Henrico Police spokesperson Will McCue said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. K. Herbst at (804) 501-4831. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at P3tips.com.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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