Lake City, FL – A Florida teen has been found guilty in the tragic killing of 12-year-old Mariah Smith, who was gunned down while sitting on her living room couch during a drive-by shooting tied to her brother’s school dispute.
Second Teen Found Guilty in Mariah Smith’s Killing
Matthew Rice, now 18, was convicted of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder in connection with the August 2023 shooting that claimed the life of Mariah Smith in Lake City. His conviction follows that of 17-year-old Jayden Burch, who was found guilty of the same charges earlier this year.
According to court records, a third suspect, 15-year-old Jatarious Rashad Fluellen, is still awaiting trial. Prosecutors said all three teens fired more than 20 bullets into Mariah’s home on NW Long Street, targeting her brother after a personal feud escalated.
25 Shell Casings Found Outside Family Home
Lake City Police responded to the shooting just after 9 p.m. on August 24, 2023, finding Mariah fatally wounded with a gunshot to the head. Investigators later recovered 25 shell casings and a laser sight from outside the home.
Court documents revealed that the gunfire stemmed from a conflict between Mariah’s older brother and the group of teens. Authorities said Burch supplied the firearms, while he, Rice, and Fluellen walked to the Smith home and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Instagram Chat Became Key Evidence
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Burch bragged about the shooting in an Instagram conversation, even using a smiling emoji. When someone asked if he was aware of the shooting, he chillingly replied, “I know, I did it.”
Investigators also discovered that Rice’s DNA was found on the recovered laser sight, strengthening the case against him. Jurors reportedly deliberated for less than an hour before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict.
Victim Honoured with Memorial Street
Following Mariah’s death, Lake City officials took the rare step of renaming NW Long Street to “Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street.” The dedication ceremony drew dozens of community members, friends, and local leaders advocating for an end to youth gun violence.
“This is history,” said Mariah’s mother, Todneisha Filer, during the event. “No other family should have to go through what I’m going through, and I’m praying that we can stop the gun violence.”
Sentencing Dates and Next Steps
Burch is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, while Rice will learn his fate on November 13, 2025. The third defendant, Fluellen, who was only 14 at the time of the shooting, remains in custody pending trial.
Community advocates say Mariah’s story has become a rallying cry in Lake City’s ongoing fight to curb gun violence among youth.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Share your opinions and help promote awareness against youth gun violence in your community.
