(L.A.) Niiko Smith, 35, Died in Prison

Case Number: 2025-05960

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 35-year-old Black male that occurred in prison.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Niiko Smith.

Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Mason.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Toxicity

Other Significant Conditions: Cardiomegaly; Obesity

RIP NIIKO DAVON SMITH (June 9, 1989 – April 7, 2025)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 6:49 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on June 24, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab. This is considered an accidental, i.e., unintentional, drug overdose.

The decedent was a member of the Edgemont Criminal Gang, a criminal street gang.

In 2008, he was convicted of two counts of attempted murder.