On August 24, 2023, 12-year-old Mariah Smith was shot while sitting on a couch in her home on NW Long Street in Lake City, Florida. Officers arrived just after 9 p.m.; she was given first aid by officers and EMS but died of her injuries.

Two teenagers have been arrested: 14-year-old Jatarious Rashad Fluellen II was taken into custody on August 28, 2023, and charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder; 15-year-old Jayden Tyler Burch, who had moved to Miami Gardens after the shooting, was arrested on October 11, 2023, and charged with murder and one count of attempted murder. Police say the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests could follow.

The case touched off further incidents between families connected to the shooting. On October 22, 2023, 55-year-old Lucille Simpson was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly threatening members of Mariah’s family while armed. The Lake City Council unanimously approved a resolution renaming NW Long Street to Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for December 18, 2023.

If anyone saw activity near NW Long Street on the night of August 24, 2023, or has information about this case, please come forward.