Suspect arrested in Georgia for Kalamazoo Mother's Day shooting

A suspect connected to a deadly shooting in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has been arrested in Georgia. Dontaviour Lawrel Smith, 23, was taken into custody on March 12 in Atlanta. He is facing nine felony charges, including open murder and assault with intent to murder. The charges relate to a drive-by shooting that occurred on Mother’s Day in 2023. The incident took place in broad daylight on Ada Street, where a home was targeted. The shooting resulted in the death of 33-year-old Marcus Pierce and injured two others, a 58-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man. Smith's arrest came after a lengthy investigation by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Officials confirmed that they received help from U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement in Georgia to track him down. When police searched Smith's residence in Atlanta, they found firearms, cash, and drugs. A co-defendant in the case, Demario Deonte Jackson, has already pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. He is currently serving a prison sentence between 18 and 50 years. Kalamazoo officials have emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice for violent crimes, regardless of where suspects flee. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with related information to come forward.