Da’Bryan Maurice Smith
Just hours after having Thanksgiving dinner with his 1-year-old son, girlfriend, and grandmother, Da’Bryan Smith, 20, of Des Moines, was struck by gunfire while hanging out with friends in a gas station parking lot.
At about 6:50 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2016, Des Moines police responded to Git-N-Go, 816 E. Euclid Ave., where several gunshots had been fired at the group of people standing outside the convenience store, according to a Des Moines police news release.
While investigating the scene, officers learned that Smith had been struck by the gunfire and taken by his friends in a private vehicle to Broadlawns Medical Center, where he later died.
Sandra Smith, of Des Moines, said she raised Da’Bryan Smith as his adoptive grandmother. In a Des Moines Register article dated Nov. 25, 2016, she called him a hard worker, a good person, and a loving father to his 1-year-old son.
The young father and gifted athlete had hoped to become a football coach, his adoptive grandmother told the Register.
Smith’s death was the 13th homicide in Des Moines in 2016.
Da’Bryan Maurice Smith was born on July 30, 1996, in Minneapolis, MN. Da’Bryan’s family would relocate to Des Moines, IA where he received his formal education. He graduated from high school in 2014 and soon after continued his education at Des Moines Area Community College where he studied auto mechanics. While attending school, Da’Bryan worked hard in the construction field to provide for his family.
Da’Bryan was a gifted athlete. He enjoyed playing basketball and football throughout his high school years. His dream was to pass on his knowledge of sports and life lessons to Des Moines area youth as a coach. Above all, Da’Bryan loved to spend time with his family. He was blessed with one son, Da’Bryan Jr., whom he loved with all his heart. He was also known to play with his younger cousins whenever they were in his presence.
Da’Bryan Smith is buried at the Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny.
(Courtesy photo Katie Lou)
Da’Bryan passed from his earthly existence and stepped into the glory of the Lord on November 24, 2016. He was greeted on the other side by his great-grandmother, Wanda Jean Smith, and a great-aunt, Johnetta Faye Smith.
Da’Bryan leaves to cherish his memory his son, Da’Bryan Smith Jr.; fiancée, Crystal Campbell; grandmother, Sandra Smith; mother, Danielle Smith; siblings, Nicole Smith, DeMetrious Hilson, and Cameron Smith and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Dec. 3, 2016, at Revival Center Church of God in Christ, 3816 36th St. in Des Moines, at noon with visitation one hour before the service.
Police ask anyone with information about this shooting to contact the police department at 515-283-4811 or Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400 or crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.
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