Thirteen-year-old Alaysia Smith was fatally shot inside a North Philadelphia residence on September 18, 2024. Officers responding to reports of a shooting around 7:30 p.m. found Alaysia unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the chest; she was taken to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after 8 p.m. Alaysia was visiting friends on the 2800 block of North Bailey Street when witnesses heard a gunshot and saw several young people flee the scene. At least two teenage boys who lived in the home were observed running from the house after the shooting.

The Philadelphia Police Department interviewed adults linked to the property and reviewed nearby surveillance footage, but no weapon was recovered and no arrests had been announced. Authorities offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Alaysia was an honor roll student and cheerleader at Wissahickon Charter School’s Fernhill campus; her mother, Ayla Bruce, said she loved fashion and was learning to style hair. If anyone has information about what happened that evening, please contact the Philadelphia Police.