Vineland man charged with Cape killing

Hakeem Denby (New Jersey Department of Corrections)

A Vineland man who was released from prison last year is now in prison for the murder of a Cape May County man.

Hakeem Denby, 34, is charged with murder and weapons offenses in connection with the killing of Daquan Smith.

Smith, 22, was shot in the 300 block of Madison Avenue in Woodbine around 11 p.m. on Oct. 25.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Cape May District Attorney's Office Major Crimes Units and the New Jersey State Police.

“The arrest of Hakeem Denby is a testament to the tireless pursuit of justice by New Jersey State Police investigators and the Cape May County District Attorney’s Office,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, State Police Superintendent. “Your commitment to removing violent criminals 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 those who endanger our neighborhoods are held accountable.”

Denby is being held at the Cape May County Justice Facility. A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Daquan Smith

“We remain committed to bringing justice to Mr. Smith and providing some measure of peace to his family and loved ones,” said District Attorney Jeffrey Sutherland.

Denby was paroled from Bayside State Prison on June 6, 2023, after serving part of a five-year sentence for a firearms offense in Cumberland County, according to the state Department of Corrections.

Its maximum release date is May 25 next year.

It was not clear whether prosecutors had filed a probation violation case against him.

According to his obituary, Smith's funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Ave. at the Cape May Court House, planned. A viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m

Anyone with further information about this case is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 609-465-1135 or the New Jersey State Police at 609-861-5698. Information can also be provided anonymously through the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office website at cmcpros.net/tips.