Man arrested in murder of Baltimore police spokesman's brother

BALTIMORE - An arrest has been made in the murder of a Baltimore City Police Department spokesman's brother, officials announced on Thursday.

Terrell Gibson, 21, was taken into custody Thursday morning in connection with the shooting death of 24-year-old Dionay Smith.

Officials said Dionay Smith, the brother of Baltimore City Police Department Spokesman T.J. Smith, was gunned down in his home in the 1400 block of Argyle Avenue at about 7:55 p.m. on Sunday.

Detectives said video footage helped them identify Gibson as the suspect in the murder. He faces charges of first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

In a Facebook post, T.J. Smith said he contacted investigators after learning the name of a homicide victim matched that of his brother's.

"I also did what is instinctual; I called his cell phone several times. Of course, there was no answer. However, I remained in denial," he wrote in his post.

The police spokesman said that after he confirmed the victim was his brother, he notified his family.

"My sister arrived, still completely oblivious, while I was shocked that social media didn't beat me to her. I simply said, 'someone killed our brother,'" his post continued.

T.J. Smith said his brother worked two jobs and spent much of his time with his children.

"Now this might sound like a cliche," he wrote, "but it is true - my brother was a good kid. He wasn't 'about that life'."

Dionay Smith's death marked the city's 173rd homicide of the year.

"To many, he will be #173, but to me and my family, he's Dion, a brother, a son, a father, a friend, a nephew, and a kind soul," he continued.