DUBUQUE – Dubuque police have identified a suspect who shot a man dead during argument and are seeking clues to his whereabouts.
On July 2, 2020, at 5:58 p.m. Dubuque Police responded to the 400 block of Loras Blvd. for the report of a shooting and located Curtis R. Smothers Jr. 25 years old of Dubuque with a gunshot wound to the chest. Smothers was transported by ambulance to MercyOne Dubuque where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators utilized City of Dubuque traffic cameras to determine Smothers was involved in a physical altercation with Deonte WB Ellison 25 years old of Dubuque following an argument in the 400 block of Loras Blvd. During the altercation, Ellison retrieved a handgun from his waistband and shot Smothers in the chest.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Ellison on the charges of Murder 1st degree and Possession of a Firearm as a Felon with a $2,000,000 cash bond. Murder in the 1st degree is a Class A felony punishable by life in prison. Possession of a Firearm as a Felon is a Class D felony punishable by five years in prison.
If you see Ellison do not approach him. Please call the Dubuque Police Department dispatch center at (563) 589-4415.
