Austin NAACP calls for ‘thorough’ investigation into killing of a Bastrop man

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — Stephen Allan Smith, 41, was shot and killed in Bastrop County last month.

According to the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office, a 13-year-old boy is accused in the case, as of Sept. 16.

Now, the NAACP is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death and held a press conference Monday to provide more details.

“I’m here for one reason. A good man lost his life. There were things that led up to the incident that need to be also revealed, the conflicts, the confrontations, all played a role in what happened that morning. I want you to understand what I’m saying, because you’re not going to find this just whistling in your ear,” Austin NAACP President Nelson Linder said during the conference.

Linder said the people who allegedly committed the crimes were on Smith’s property.

“So he was shot and killed on this property by the very same people who were involved in the confrontation. Imagine coming home to your property and being shot and killed on their property,” he said.

Family of Smith also spoke during the conference and said that he was allegedly ambushed when he got home that day by the juvenile’s mother and the juvenile. According to Smith’s family, there was an on-going confrontation between Smith and the mother of the juvenile prior to the murder.

Linder said while he understands there has to be a fair investigation — since the case involves a juvenile — he said there also needs to be a fair investigation.

“So, there needs to be some accountability here based on the facts,” he said.

Linder said after Smith was shot that his body allegedly remained on the ground for four hours.

“Why would somebody lay four hours on the ground before they’re given help?” he asked. “That’s four hours. That’s a long time to be on the ground in front of anybody.”

Other family and friends of Smith’s also spoke during the conference and called him a good man, saying police and the district attorney’s office needed to be held accountable in the investigation.

This story will be updated by Jala Washington.

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