In a tragic incident that has captured public and media attention, 38-year-old Richard Bernard "Richie" Smith was shot and killed on January 7, 2023, outside his home in New Orleans by his neighbor, 46-year-old Leroy Stelly Jr. The shooting, which occurred in the early morning hours, has been classified by local authorities as a justifiable homicide, leading to significant scrutiny from Smith's family and the community.

The background of Leroy Stelly reveals a pattern of violent behavior and past allegations.

Over a span of approximately 14 years, Stelly faced numerous accusations, including pepper-spraying two women, domestic violence against his then-fiancee, and brandishing a firearm while falsely claiming to be a police officer.

Despite these incidents, Stelly has never been convicted of any crime related to these allegations, and he has maintained a narrative of self-defense in the context of his encounter with Smith.

On the night of the shooting, Smith was returning home from his job as a bartender when he crossed paths with Stelly on the sidewalk.

According to Stelly, he acted in self-defense, claiming that Smith approached him in a threatening manner.

Stelly stated in a subsequent 911 call that he was attacked, asserting, "I did what I had to do."

Despite the claims of self-defense, Smith's family has expressed deep skepticism regarding the investigation handled by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).

Dana Leonard, Smith's mother, spearheaded an independent inquiry, compiling an 80-page report that highlighted Stelly's violent history and questioned the legitimacy of the evidence used to classify the homicide as justifiable.

Leonard believes the NOPD failed to conduct a thorough investigation and has indicated her intention to seek further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding her son's death.

The NOPD has publicly stated they conducted a comprehensive investigation, repeatedly concluding that no charges would be warranted based on the evidence collected.

The department emphasized its responsibility to deal with the tragic consequences of such incidents while acknowledging that police work is heavily influenced by the availability of corroborative evidence.

Stelly's interpretations of self-defense laws have ignited further discussions in Louisiana, known for its permissive stand-your-ground and castle doctrine laws.

These laws allow individuals to use lethal force when they believe their lives are in imminent danger without a duty to retreat.

Legal experts have pointed out that the burden lies with state prosecutors to disprove claims of self-defense, making it difficult to pursue cases where evidence is ambiguous.

The legal landscape surrounding the shooting has broader implications, not only within Louisiana but also nationally, as the United States grapples with issues related to gun ownership and self-defense laws.

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential normalization of lethal violence and the ease of justifying such actions under current statutes.

Family members of Smith have voiced their distress over the circumstances leading to the shooting, emphasizing that Stelly and Smith were not strangers to one another, having been neighbors for nearly a year.

Reports indicate that there was familiarity between the two families, including a party attended by both Smith and Stelly shortly before the incident.

As the investigation continues, the case has become emblematic of a larger debate on gun violence, the interpretation of self-defense laws, and the responsibilities of law enforcement in ensuring justice.

The outcome of Smith's family’s pursuit for clarity and accountability remains uncertain as they navigate the legal system while advocating for their son’s memory.