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Detroit Man’s Murder Charges Dismissed After Victim Fails to Appear

A courtroom scene reflects the tension of a legal proceeding in a notable Detroit case.

News Summary

In a surprising courtroom outcome, all attempted murder charges against 42-year-old Daryl Tasmin Smith were dismissed after the victim failed to appear in court. The incident, which involved a flare gun and left the victim injured, unfolded outside a bus stop in Detroit. The absence of the key witness led to a lack of evidence against Smith, raising questions about justice and community safety following this alarming event.

Detroit Man’s Attempted Murder Charges Dismissed After Key Witness Doesn’t Show

In a stunning turn of events for a Detroit man, all attempted murder charges have been dismissed following a dramatic court hearing this week. Daryl Tasmin Smith, a 42-year-old resident of the Motor City, was accused of an alarming incident involving a flare gun, but the victim’s absence in court led to the unexpected outcome.

The Incident Unfolds

The harrowing episode took place on February 20, 2025, outside a bus stop located at the bustling intersection of Cass and Warren avenues. Witnesses said that on this day, Smith was behaving erratically and allegedly harassing an elderly woman while riding the bus. Concerned for her safety, a good Samaritan, aged 33, decided to step in and confront Smith.

Things escalated quickly when both men got off the bus. Reports indicate that without warning, Smith pulled a flare gun from the pocket of his hoodie and shot the victim in the eye. The chaotic scene left onlookers stunned as Smith fled the area, leaving the victim injured and bleeding.

A Quick Response

Emergency services were called to the scene, and police from Wayne State University swiftly responded. Upon arrival, they found the victim bleeding from his right eye, a sight that surely shook up those who witnessed the aftermath. He was promptly taken to the hospital where he received treatment for what were thankfully deemed non-fatal injuries.

Legal Trouble for Smith

Following the incident, Smith was apprehended by Wayne State police shortly after he fled the scene. By February 22, he faced multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and felonious assault. To ensure he remained under control while awaiting trial, a bond was set at $100,000, and he was placed under house arrest with a GPS tether.

Courtroom Surprises

During the court proceedings, it was brought to light that the victim’s absence meant there was a significant lack of evidence against Smith, leading to the swift dismissal of all charges. This dismissal on Wednesday leaves an open question of justice in the aftermath of such a dangerous encounter.

Looking Ahead

The incident raises questions about community safety and the circumstances that lead to such confrontations. For Smith, the real consequences of his actions seemed to slip away, unless the victim decides to pursue further legal action in the future.

This case is a stark reminder of how unexpected events can change the course of lives in an instant, and how the legal system operates in connection with the presence or absence of key witnesses. While the streets of Detroit continue to buzz with daily life, this incident has left a mark, both on those who witnessed it and on the community at large.