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Smith’s background was marked by instability: a father struggling with alcoholism, dropping out of high school early, and engaging in criminal activities—including drug dealing and burglaries—that led to multiple incarcerations. After leaving prison in late 2019, he hoped to rebuild a stable life, moving back in with his mother, obtaining a job, and forming a relationship. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, stripping him of new stability as he and his girlfriend lost their jobs.