Victim's mother: 'He didn't deserve to die like that'

Deputies found Michael Donnell Smith’s body in the driveway of his home at 1808 Lucas Road early Thursday.

“He didn't have an enemy in the world that I know of,” said Carolyn Hines, Smith's mother.

Smith, 48, was an associate minister at Truth and Delivery International Ministry Church in Knightdale, where he preached, taught Bible study, Sunday school and was active in community outreach.

"He told me that every morning before he went to work that he would get up and read his Bible, and he would pray before he ever left the house,” Hines said.

Smith was leaving his house for work as a truck driver at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday when he was shot to death, deputies said.

“The hurting part is who did it and why, because he didn't deserve to die like that,” Hines said.

Smith is survived by his wife and three children.

Anyone with information about Smith's death is asked to call the Wake County Sheriff's Office at 919-856-6900.