Podcast Summary: The Deck – Darnell Smith (5 of Diamonds, California)
Podcast: The Deck
Host: Ashley Flowers (audiochuck)
Episode: Darnell Smith (5 of Diamonds, California)
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Overview
This emotional episode focuses on the unsolved 2008 murder of Darnell Smith, whose face graces the 5 of Diamonds in California’s cold case playing card deck. Darnell was a 20-year-old pastor’s son and ambitious student, gunned down without a clear motive in what appears to be a targeted attack. Ashley Flowers, along with investigators and Darnell’s family, explores the confusing web of violence that entangled Darnell, sheds light on the cultural context hindering progress, and details renewed investigative efforts that may finally break the case open.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Introduction to Darnell’s Case
- Darnell Smith was killed in San Diego on Father's Day, 2008, while hanging out with friends and family (02:43).
- He was known for his ambition, clean record, and devotion to family and church.
- The crime shocked his community: “No one would have thought that his life would end in such a violent way at the age of 20.” – Ashley Flowers (02:56)
The Night of the Shooting
- On the night of June 15, 2008, Darnell and friends visit his aunt's house after plans fell through.
- A dark SUV pulls up; a shooter in a black hoodie fires 19 rounds, 12 striking Darnell as he lags behind to lock his car (05:07).
- Immediate chaos; family notified in the early hours, leading to a harrowing, desperate sprint to the crime scene (06:34).
“We’re like, going around in circles because it's like police cars, yellow tape everywhere... I'm trying to get past them... I'm like, my son has been shot, and I'm just trying to figure out what's going on.” – Frances Jones, Darnell's stepmother (07:20)
Lack of Motive and the Role of Violence by Association
- Darnell, by all accounts, had no criminal or gang ties. Investigators baffled by lack of motive (08:45).
- Detective Ron Newquist describes how innocent young Black men became victims due to perceived gang associations based on high school attendance or geography (10:41).
“Everybody is perceived, whether you're a gang member or not, that you're from one of these rival sets.” – Det. Ron Newquist (10:41)
- Statistics indicated a high risk for young Black men: nearly 23 times more likely to be killed by gun violence than white peers (11:29).
Culture of Silence and Community Distrust
- “Stop Snitching” campaign contributed to the difficulty in getting witnesses to speak (12:03).
- Ashley breaks down deep-rooted distrust between Black communities and police, partly due to historic police violence (12:14).
- The only concrete evidence: ballistics pointing to a Glock; 19 shots fired without reloading (13:02).
“I always say it takes violence to solve violence.” – Det. Ron Newquist (13:42)
Related Shootings and an Expanding Neighborhood Nightmare
- Less than a month later, another shooting uses the same gun as in Darnell’s case (16:27). Only shell casings are found; description of the suspect remains vague.
- Police and reporters trace a cluster of related shootings:
- Brandon, another victim on the same street, survives a shooting from a dark SUV ten days after Darnell’s death (18:44).
- Andre, associated with Emerald Hills gang, shot and killed on Bolenbacher Street days later. Ballistics show a different gun (21:15).
- Johnny, a local Crip, killed in a crash after police chase following yet another nearby shooting; vehicle involved not an SUV, but leads to focus on Johnny’s cousin, who owned a dark SUV (23:44).
Breakthrough Clue: The Black SUV
- During a street investigation, Detective Barr and the audiochuck team spot a black Ford Edge parked at a house of interest (25:37).
- The car is later confirmed to be a 2008 model—the same year as Darnell's murder. The owner has an extensive criminal record (27:41).
- Detective Barr has just taken over the case and is pursuing new forensic tests, canvassing witnesses, and pursuing a possible link between this SUV and the cold cases (28:43).
Heartfelt Family Reflections and Lasting Impacts
- Reporters attend a family gathering at Darnell's church, where his father, Pastor Donald Jones, leads a prayer for justice (30:02).
- Family shares fond memories: love of sports, ambition, and family devotion (31:00).
- The physical scars of violence remain—a wall with bullet holes preserved as a grim memorial (31:43), and Darnell’s cousin retains a chipped tooth from the night he nearly died beside him (32:22).
“He said he'll never get it fixed because it reminds him of, you know, Darnell lost his life, and all he lost was a tooth.” – Valerie Jones Carter, Darnell’s grandmother (32:22)
Renewed Hope and a Call for Public Assistance
- A $50,000 reward has been requested to encourage tips (28:59); currently, a $3,500 reward is active (32:34).
- Investigators and family urge anyone with information to reach out to Crime Stoppers or Detective Barr directly.
- Ashley reiterates the ongoing importance of community and advocacy in finding justice for Darnell and others like him.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “His life was about as squeaky clean as you could expect from a pastor's son. He'd never even had so much as a speeding ticket.” — Ashley Flowers (07:45)
- “It was Frances who eventually picked up... I wasn't expecting, like, bad news.” — Frances Jones (06:34)
- “No one wants to cooperate with the police... It's a different world back then. And that whole stop Snitching campaign was huge.” — Det. Ron Newquist (12:03)
- “We confirm that the cousin is still in the area... Detective Barr is looking into [him].” — Ashley Flowers (24:05-24:28)
- “Maybe the neighborhood’s been talking the last 17 years.” — Annie Roderick Jones (28:59)
- “She was never going to change it.” — Valerie Jones Carter on keeping the bullet-riddled wall as a memorial (31:59)
- “All he lost was a tooth.” — Valerie Jones Carter (32:22)
Key Timestamps
| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:43 | Instant breakdown of Darnell's case and context | | 05:07 | Description of the shooting by responding officer | | 06:34 | The family's traumatic notification | | 08:10 | Darnell’s character and ambitions remembered by Pastor Jones | | 10:34 | Investigators explain violence by association | | 11:29 | Examining statistical dangers for young Black men | | 12:03 | "Stop Snitching" and community distrust toward police | | 13:02 | Ballistics evidence and investigative limitations | | 16:27 | Discovering a second shooting linked by shell casings | | 18:44 | Additional neighborhood shootings flesh out larger pattern | | 23:44 | The Johnny incident and links to local suspects | | 25:37 | Discovery of the black SUV parked outside suspect’s house | | 27:41 | Confirmation of the SUV’s link to the correct year | | 28:59 | Detective Barr expresses renewed optimism in solving the case | | 30:02 | Family gathering, prayer, and powerful memories shared | | 31:43 | Physical, emotional, and symbolic wounds on the family | | 32:22 | Cousin’s chipped tooth—a permanent reminder | | 32:34 | Reward and plea for public assistance |
Conclusion
The Deck’s episode on Darnell Smith is a poignant, thorough examination of innocence caught in the crossfire and the struggles of families seeking answers amid community silence and investigative frustration. As the case enters a promising new phase with advances both in evidence and energy, Darnell’s loved ones—and the audiochuck team—urge anyone with information to help bring justice, finally, to a life ended far too soon.
Contact Info for Tips:
- San Diego Crime Stoppers: 888-580-8477
- Detective Barr: 619-531-2239