Kenosha, Wis. — Nicholas Matthew Smith, a 27-year-old Kenosha resident who gained national attention for his role as a witness in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, was found dead from a gunshot wound on Friday afternoon.

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According to Kenosha Police Lieutenant Hecker, officers and emergency medical personnel responded at 2:52 p.m. on April 25 to the 5400 block of 58th Avenue. Smith was discovered deceased in the living room of an apartment. Investigators determined he died as a result of being shot. The case remains an open and active investigation.

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The Kenosha Police Department is asking that anyone with information related to this case contact Detective Jason Kenesie at 262-605-5277.

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Kenosha County Eye has been told that Smith’s twin brother was allegedly the 9-1-1 caller and reported that Nicholas had accidentally shot himself, believing the gun was unloaded. Authorities have not confirmed this detail, and the official cause and circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.

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Smith became a public figure in 2021 when he testified for the defense during Kyle Rittenhouse’s homicide trial. At the time, Smith had been associated with Car Source, a Kenosha car dealership damaged during the 2020 unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. He testified that the dealership owner had asked him to help protect the property during the unrest. Smith also described Rittenhouse offering him body armor and recounted seeing Rittenhouse in a visibly shaken state after the shootings.

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During the trial, Smith’s testimony helped support the defense’s narrative that Rittenhouse had acted in self-defense and had been among a group of individuals trying to deter property damage in the city.

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A family friend shared a heartfelt message following Smith’s death:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Nick Smith. He left behind a twin brother, a father, a mother, and many friends. He loved Airsoft, cars, Star Wars, and motorcycles. The family is unable to afford funeral and burial service costs. Anything you can spare would be greatly appreciated by the family.”

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As friends and loved ones mourn his sudden death, police continue to investigate the circumstances of the fatal shooting. No arrests have been announced. Here is Smith’s gofundme page.

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