Springfield, Illinois – On January 4, 2025, at approximately 7:44 p.m., the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired in the 2800 block of East Carpenter Street. Upon arrival, residents reported numerous shots were fired at a vehicle, which then transported two victims to HSHS St. John’s Hospital.

Deputies learned that a 23-year-old woman suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, while a 31-year-old man sustained multiple serious gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives from the Investigations Division canvassed the area for witnesses and video evidence and processed the crime scene. Over 50 shots were fired, and investigators believe a dark, four-door sedan was involved in the shooting. The vehicle was last seen fleeing east on Carpenter Street.

The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, identified the victim as 31-year-old Lajarvious Smith of Springfield. He was pronounced deceased at 8:33 p.m., shortly after arriving at the hospital. Mr. Smith sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and an autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

According to the 23-year-old woman who was in the vehicle at the time of the shooting, Smith shielded her during the attack, resulting in her being shot only twice. In a Facebook post, she wrote:

“YOU saved my lifeeeee!!! Y’all, this man COVERED me. I only got shot twice… Lord, I was not expecting our night to go like thisssss💔💔. I loveeeee you so much, baby! #forever your ladyyy 🥺. Somebody please wake me up from this nightmare. Fuckkkkk, please 💔. Right or wrong, y’all know our love was different from everybody else’s. Life will never be the same without you. Get your rest, baby 🫶🏾.”

If anyone has information in reference to this crime we would encourage them to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (217) 753-6840, or Crime Stoppers of Sangamon and Menard Counties at (217) 788-8427.

The incident remains under investigation by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Sangamon County Coroner.