On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the final defendant, Daeshawn Marquis Smith, 24, of South Bend was sentenced for his role in the Oct. 22, 2020, fatal shootings of Malik Balderos, 21, and Ricky Kinds Jr., 20, both of South Bend.
Seven individuals were charged and convicted in connection to the shooting. The sentences are as follows:
- Tyrik Rayford, 25, of Sauk Village, Ill. – 75 years for Murder, a felony, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a level 1 felony, and the Firearm Sentencing Enhancement
- Michael Williams, Jr., 24, of South Bend – 30 years for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a level 1 felony
- Dijon Davis, 21, of South Bend – 28 years for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a level 1 felony
- Darius Vaughn, 23, of South Bend – 25 years for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a level 1 felony
- Jeremiah Thompson, 20, of South Bend – 20 years for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a level 1 felony
- Lance Dawson, 23, of South Bend – 20 years for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a level 1 felony
- Daeshawn Smith, 24, of South Bend – 20 years for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a level 1 felony
The sentencing range for Murder is 45 to 65 years. The sentencing range for a level 1 felony is 20 to 40 years. The sentencing range for the firearm enhancement is 5 to 20 years.
Please see the attached Probable Cause Affidavit.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Mr. Balderos and Mr. Kinds. We would like to thank the investigators with the former St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit and the South Bend Police Department Strategic Focus Unit for their thorough investigation and trial assistance.
