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

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — Steven 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. However, it’s unclear whether there have been any arrests or charges.

On the fence outside Smith’s home, there’s a teddy bear, flowers, a hat belonging to him, and a sign that reads, “All we want is justice for Steven.”

“His children, they don’t they don’t get to grow up with their dad anymore,” Smith’s sister, Ommaney Smith, said. “He took care of all of us … My brother was murdered, and we have to call it what it is.”

Initial response to the shooting

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.

Close family friends question how the investigation has been handled since Smith was killed.

“I saw him laying out here for hours,” Denise Meza, a close family friend, 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.”

Smith’s uncle, Booker T. Smith, said he also was upset by the initial investigation.

“I kept saying, ‘why they don’t put him in a bag or something?'” Booker said.

Ongoing tension

The family of Smith also spoke during the conference and said they’re still unsure what could have led a 13-year-old boy to shoot and kill him. According to Smith’s family, the teenager is the son of a woman Smith had a romantic relationship with.

Smith’s family said they feel as if 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 ongoing tension between Smith and the mother of the juvenile before 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 accountability taken by law enforcement.

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

Well-known community member calls for accountability, transparency

Smith was known as a neighbor who would drop anything to help anyone. The “handyman” who could fix anything, as some described him, was also an Austin Energy employee.

The company honored him at his funeral. According to Smith’s family, they brought out two trucks—one of which was Smith’s— and tied the American flags to the platforms, letting them wave high in the sky.

Smith’s family is well-known in Bastrop, as they’ve lived there for generations. There are now many people backing the family and also pushing for transparency into his death.

Some who spoke during the conference with the NAACP called him a good man, saying police and the district attorney’s office need to be held accountable in the investigation.

“We’re going to pressure this whole process. Make sure they understand we’re watching every step of the way,” Linder said. “That’s why we’re here.”

Bastrop County District Attorney Bryan Goertz wouldn’t go into specifics about this case since the investigation is still active but did provide context related to cases involving juveniles.

“Generally speaking, under Texas law, juveniles aren’t arrested. They are detained, and then only pursuant to a judges order. Nor can a juvenile less than 14 years of age be transferred into the adult system, even if it’s for murder.”

Bastrop County District Attorney Bryan Goertz

KXAN is waiting on an update from the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office.

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