Tayda Smith was 28 and a mother of four when she was shot to death at a Raceway gas station on Lem Turner Road in Jacksonville on May 1, 2022, about 2:30 a.m. She was found next to a car at the pump; multiple bullet holes were observed in the car and surrounding area and witnesses described a barrage of gunshots that sounded like firecrackers. Residents had complained previously about loud music and disruptive behavior at that gas station on weekends.

Family members described Tayda as a loving mother, an inspirational speaker and a generous friend who had no known enemies; they believe she was an innocent bystander. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office opened an active investigation but no arrests have been announced. Her family held a balloon release at the station and noted her podcast, Girl Talk by Tay, where she offered advice and prayers. Her four daughters now face life without their mother.

Did anyone see Tayda or her car at the Raceway that night or hear anything that could help identify who fired those shots?