On August 24, 2023, 12-year-old Mariah Smith tragically lost her life in a shooting incident in Lake City, Florida. She was sitting on a couch in her home on NW Long Street, watching television, when the house was struck by a hail of bullets. When officers from the Lake City Police Department arrived at the scene just after 9 p.m., they found Mariah shot and rendered first aid along with Emergency Medical Services, but she succumbed to her injuries.
Two teenage suspects have been arrested in connection with Mariah's murder. Jatarious Rashad Fluellen II, 14, was arrested on August 28, 2023, and charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Jayden Tyler Burch, 15, who had moved to Miami Gardens after the incident, was arrested on October 11, 2023, and charged with murder and one count of attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing, with police indicating that more arrests could be forthcoming as they work to identify and charge all those involved in the case.
The case has also led to additional incidents involving the families of the suspects and the victim. On October 22, 2023, a dispute between the family of Mariah Smith and the family of one of the suspects resulted in the arrest of Lucille Simpson, 55. Simpson drove past the family members of Mariah Smith, lowered the passenger window of her vehicle, and threatened them while armed with a firearm. She was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
In response to Mariah's death, the city of Lake City has taken steps to honor her memory. The Lake City Council unanimously approved a resolution to rename NW Long Street to "Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street." This dedication aims to remember Mariah and all victims of gun violence, and to advocate for a future free from such violence. A ceremony to dedicate the road was scheduled for December 18, 2023.
