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Kadarius Smith

Gender : Male

Age : 15

Race : Black

Date : 03/21/2024

Location : Huddleston Street

City : Leland

County : Washington

State : Mississippi

Agency : Leland Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Pedestrian chased by and killed by police cruiser

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On March 21, 2024, at approximately 1:45 a.m., Leland Police Department officers responded to a call reporting two individuals who were possibly armed outside of a residence on Davis Lane in Leland, Mississippi. Upon arrival, officers encountered 15-year-old Kadarius Smith, who fled the scene on foot.
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During the pursuit, an officer followed Smith in a patrol car. According to the police report, Smith "ran out in front of" the vehicle, and the officer "could not stop the patrol unit immediately," resulting in Smith being struck by the vehicle on Huddleston Street. Smith was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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An autopsy revealed that Smith suffered massive blunt head trauma, a fractured skull, and additional severe injuries. His death was ruled accidental. However, family members and civil rights attorney Ben Crump have disputed the official account, stating that Smith was struck from behind and had police cruiser tire marks on his back.
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The family has called for transparency and accountability, demanding justice for Kadarius Smith. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent review of the incident, and findings will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for further evaluation.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/leland-mississippi-teen-kadarius-smith-police-cruisers-rcna145691
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2024/07/17/kadarius-smith-17-autopsy-report-released-after-leland-ms-death/74440039007/
https://www.people.com/kadarius-smith-struck-police-cruiser-mississippi-8679610