$53,500 Reward Offered

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit continue to ask for the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of 20-year-old Darnell Smith.

On June 15, 2008, at approximately 12:20 a.m., Darnell Smith parked his car in the 700 block of Pyramid Street, located in the Emerald Hills area of San Diego. Smith was with several relatives and was walking to his aunt’s house from his car. An unknown suspect stepped out of a vehicle, walked up behind Smith and his relatives, and fired multiple rounds at the group. Smith was struck and died at the scene. Witnesses described the suspect’s vehicle as a newer black Ford Escape or a similar vehicle with tinted windows.

Smith was an employee of Cox Communications and a student at San Diego Mesa College working towards a business administration degree.

The California Governor’s Office is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.

Cox Communications is offering $2,500 in addition to Crime Stoppers’ $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case.

Darnell Smith (Victim)

Generic photo of possible suspect vehicle (Not actual suspect vehicle)

Anyone with information on this murder is asked to call the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.

• Media inquiries about this case should be directed to A/Lt. Chris Leahy at (619) 533-5752 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Media inquiries about Crime Stoppers should be directed to Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531-1500 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .