Overview
Eric Smith, known as “E. Money Bags,” occupied both the street and music worlds of late-1990s and early-2000s Queens. Federal prosecutors described him as an aspiring rap artist and identified his July 16, 2001 murder as retaliation connected to the death of McGriff associate Colbert “Black Just” Johnson.
Conflict with the McGriff Network
The government alleged that McGriff believed Smith had been involved in a shootout that resulted in Johnson’s death in Queens in December 1999. Prosecutors proved at McGriff’s later trial that he paid Harlem-based hitmen to kill Smith.
Murder
Smith was shot and killed in Queens on July 16, 2001 while seated in a parked vehicle at a neighborhood gathering. Federal prosecutors stated that he was shot 11 times at close range.
Cultural Significance
Smith is frequently referenced in New York hip-hop and street-history discussions. The encyclopedia should distinguish those cultural references from the federal record, which securely establishes his role as a victim in the McGriff racketeering case.
Evidence Status
A. Murder date, federal motive theory, and McGriff’s responsibility are documented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following trial.