Crime Stoppers Dante Smith Murder

Dayton (WDTN) - Dayton police hope you have the one missing piece of the puzzle they need.. to put a killer behind bars.

This was the scene in October 2009 on Sheridan Avenue in Dayton.  Crime tape marked the area where 32 year Dante Smith was gunned down.  The senseless killing took his life, and the East Dayton neighborhood's sense of security.

"It's crazy, we've got little kids and everything, I'm scared, I'm scared to let them walk out of the house. I'm scared to walk out of the house"

Now, more than a year later, homicide detectives are still working the case... and may be getting close.   They say they've learned that an argument over a girl most likely led up to the shooting...and believe that Smith knew his killer.

"We do have an idea. or have been advised who could have done this but I need some additional information before I can obtain a warrant.."

Detective Daryl Smith says someone out there has the information he needs to put a killer behind bars... and he's asking for anyone who can help, to come forward.

"I understand the public's reluctance in many cases to provide that account but there have been many times in my career where I have seen that same reluctant public become the victim or a family victim of the next senseless violent crime...so I ask all people here in our area to support us and let us know what you know"

If you can help solve the murder of Dante Smith, call 222-stop.   You can also submit your tip online at miami valley crime stoppers dot com.  Or text your tip to "tip 400" followed by your message to "crimes".. or 274-637.  You can earn a cash reward, and never have to tell anyone your name.