Justice for Damario Smith: Killed by Fulton County Police

Justice for Damario Smith: A Life Full of Promise, Stolen Too Soon

Damario Smith was just 25 years old. He was full of life, full of love, and full of dreams for the future he was determined to build. On Thursday, April 24th, that future was stolen from him. Damario was shot and killed by Fulton County police officers after fleeing, unarmed and afraid.

What should never have happened, happened.

In a moment when compassion, accountability, and protection were needed, Damario was met with bullets. In a world where every young man deserves to be protected, Damario was treated as disposable.

Yet Damario’s story cannot be reduced to the tragedy that ended his life.

His early years were not without hardship, but when Damario was given a second chance following his release from incarceration, he embraced it with determination. Over the next four years, he dedicated himself to service, completing more than 500 hours of community work. He spoke with young people across Atlanta and surrounding counties, not just warning them of the dangers he had faced, but showing them what was possible when someone chooses to lead, to heal, and to build.

Damario showed up for his family in the same way he showed up for his community, ignited by another tragedy. After the tragic murder of his cousin, Johnathan McWilliams, Damario stood by his aunt’s side, offering strength and unwavering support during one of the hardest moments of their lives. His loyalty was quiet but powerful, a testament to the kind of man he was. Family was at the center of Damario’s life, and this was most clearly seen in his role as a father. He was deeply committed to his children, working every day to build a future rooted in love, presence, and hope.

Damario did not just speak about change. He lived it.

He organized community discussions, mentored young people facing similar struggles, and partnered with local organizations to advocate for a better future. His leadership came not from privilege, but from resilience, compassion, and the powerful truth of lived experience. His presence brought hope. His voice demanded attention. His life proved that true leadership lifts others as it rises.

Today, the family that Damario loved so fiercely, his mother, his children, his siblings, and his community, carries the unbearable weight of his absence. They now face the heavy burden of funeral expenses, legal advocacy, and the long and painful journey toward justice.

A fund has been created to support Damario’s family through this devastating time. Contributions will provide assistance for funeral and burial costs, legal advocacy to pursue accountability, mental health and grief support services for his young siblings and children, and other urgent needs as they navigate the road ahead.

Damario’s life mattered. His leadership mattered. His dreams mattered. His love for his family mattered.

We will not allow his story to be forgotten. We will not allow a broken system to erase his legacy or silence the call for justice in his name. We refused to let Damario become just another hashtag. His life mattered. His story deserves to be told.

We ask you to stand with Damario’s family, and please consider donating. Share his story, the correct story. Demand justice accountability. Support their fight for truth and dignity. Help honor a young man who deserved to grow old.

Thank you for your support, your prayers, and your commitment to justice.

#JusticeForDamario #HisLifeMattered