On January 4, 2025, at approximately 7:44 p.m., the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired in the 2800 block of East Carpenter Street. Upon arrival, deputies found that a vehicle had transported two individuals to HSHS St. John’s Hospital after being fired upon.
A 23-year-old female sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, while a 31-year-old male, identified as Lajarvious Smith of Springfield, suffered multiple serious gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Mr. Smith was pronounced deceased at 8:33 p.m. His death was confirmed by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon. An autopsy is scheduled for further examination.
The Sheriff's Office Investigations Division canvassed the area for witnesses and video evidence, processing a crime scene where over 50 shots were fired. Detectives believe a dark, four-door sedan was involved in the incident, last seen fleeing east on Carpenter Street.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office at (217) 753-6840 or Crime Stoppers of Sangamon and Menard Counties at (217) 788-8427.