'Losing him in this senseless way has destroyed me': Family of 30-year-old father shot dead in Wolverhampton pay tribute
The family of a father who was shot dead in Wolverhampton have paid tribute as police continue to appeal for witnesses to the shooting to come forward.
Jermaine Smith, aged 30, died at the scene of the shooting in the All Saints area of Wolverhampton after the attack in the early hours of Saturday (October 25).
West Midlands Police officers were called to Lilleshall Crescent at around 12.15am to reports of the shooting.
Nothing could be done to save Mr Smith despite the best efforts of emergency service crews.
Mr Smith's mother Nadine Shakespeare has issued a statement paying tribute to her son saying: "My son Jermaine Smith was my heart and soul. He was a bright, loving and respectful young man with so many dreams ahead of him. Everyone who knew him loved him, he had a big heart and always tried to help others.
“Losing him in such a cruel and senseless way has destroyed me. No mother should ever have to bury her child. Everyday I wake up wishing this was just a bad dream. My family and I are broken and all we want now is justice for my son so his soul can finally rest in peace. Love you son.”
A cordon remains in place today as investigations continue.
Forensics experts have been examining the scene and officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries. The city's neighbourhood teams are also in the area carrying out extra patrols and supporting residents.
CCTV from the area is being retrieved and reviewed as investigators work to establish exactly what happened and identify and trace whoever is responsible.
DI Joe Davenport, from the West Midlands Police Homicide Unit, said: "We are offering Mr Smith's family support at this truly awful time and are keeping them updated on the investigation.
"Officers have been gathering CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses and we'd like to thank those people for their support as that work to goes on.
"We would also ask anyone who is yet to talk to us, but believes they do have information that may help us, to come forward and tell us what they know."
Anyone with information can call West Midlands Police on 101 or message via Live Chat on the force website quoting log 50 of October 25.
