An online donation page has raised over £10,000 following the fatal shooting of teenager Marcus Smith. The 19-year-old was shot dead during a suspected burglary a farm on Eccles Road, Whaley Bridge, at around 1.20am on May 1.
Marcus died at the scene. A second man, who is in his teens, was found with a gunshot wound nearby. He remains in hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
A man in his 50s who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder has been bailed as investigations continue, as have three other men who were arrested in connection with the burglary.
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Following his death, Marcus, who played for Chapel Town FC and worked as a DJ at the Shoulder of Mutton pub, has been remembered as a “kind, loving and warm hearted lad”.
A GoFundMe page set up to support his family with funeral costs has also surpassed £12,000, with a walk up Kinder Scout, in the Peak District, also organised for friends and family.
A description on the public page read: “As many of you may have heard Marcus Smith was involved in a tragic incident on the Wednesday. He was a kind, loving and warm hearted lad, who was special to so many people. He will forever be missed but kept in so many people’s hearts.”
Others posted tributes, with one person writing: “You had a heart of gold and were fiercely loyal to those you loved. Loved by so many we will never forget you” as another said: “Marcus, you were so loved. We are so devastated this has happened. Stay strong, we are here with you.”
Derbyshire Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Previously, Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, said: “I’d like to thank the local community for all their support during this investigation so far. We appreciate the impact that an incident like this can have on communities so we are grateful to all those who have helped during these early stages.
“If anyone does have any information, we’d ask them to please contact us, in confidence, using any of the below methods.”
Anyone with information can contact the incident room directly by using the following link: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk). Alternatively you can contact police by calling 101 including the reference 36 of 1 May. You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
