Twelve-year-old Elijah Smith was killed in a shooting at an unauthorized house party in National City, California, on November 15, 2024. The gathering took place at an abandoned residence on N Avenue near East Ninth Street that had hosted previous illegal parties; more than 100 mostly teenage attendees were reportedly present after the event was advertised on social media. Gunfire erupted shortly before midnight following a physical altercation. Elijah, a seventh-grade student at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other males, ages 14, 15, 17, and 18, sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and were taken to hospitals.

The property is owned by Big Hill OZ LLC and had been boarded up to deter trespassers; neighbors said earlier large gatherings there had raised safety concerns. Elijah’s mother, Sophia Alvarez Smith, and his sister, Oakley Smith, have urged the public to help identify those responsible. As of December 26, 2024, no arrests have been made and the police have not released suspect descriptions. If anyone has information about the party or the people involved, please contact the National City Police Department or Crime Stoppers.