Hakeem Denby (N.J. Department of Corrections)
A Vineland man paroled from prison last year is now jailed in the killing of a Cape May County man.
Hakeem Denby, 34, faces charges of murder and weapons offenses in the killing of Daquann Smith.
Smith, 24, was shot at about 11 p.m. Oct. 25 in the 300 block of Madison Avenue in Woodbine.
The investigation was a joint venture by the Major Crimes Units of the Cape May Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Police.
“The arrest of Hakeem Denby is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by the detectives of the New Jersey State Police and Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, superintendent of the State Police. ”Their dedication to removing violent offenders from our streets directly contributes to the safety and well-being of our communities. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who endanger our neighborhoods are held accountable.”
Denby is in the Cape May County Justice Facility with a detention hearing set for Wednesday.
Daquann Smith“We remain committed to ensuring justice for Mr. Smith and providing his family and loved ones with some measure of closure,” Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland said.
Denby was paroled from Bayside State Prison on June 6, 2023, after serving part of a five-year sentence on a gun charge out of Cumberland County, according to the state Department of Corrections.
It shows his maximum release date as May 25 of next year.
It was not clear if the Prosecutor's Office had filed a violation of parole against him.
Smith's funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Ave. in Cape May Court House, according to his obituary. A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m.
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Major Crimes at 609-465-1135 or the New Jersey State Police at 609-861-5698. Information may also be given anonymously via the the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office website at cmcpros.net/tips.
