Primate News

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA — Two years after a 12-year-old girl was murdered inside of her home in Lake City, a teenager was found guilty Wednesday on several charges related to her death.

Jayden Burch was found guilty of second-degree murder and two attempted second-degree murder while armed charges in connection to Mariah Smith's shooting death.

Mariah, 12, was killed on August 24, 2023, after bullets went flying through her home, striking her while she was sitting on a couch.

Officers responded to Mariah's home on NW Long Street following the shooting, and found her suffering from a gunshot wound. She was administered aid on the scene, but ultimately died from her injuries.

Four days after Mariah was killed, Lake City police arrested 14-year-old Jatarious Flullen II in connection with her murder.

Then in October 2023, police in Miami arrested Burch, who was 15 years old at the time, for Smith's murder. Investigators said after processing evidence and conducting interviews, they found probable cause to arrest Burch.

And in February 2024, a third teen was arrested in connection to Mariah's murder, 17-year-old Matthew Rice.

On Dec. 13, 2023, Lake City renamed the street name Mariah lived on in honor of her.

City officials renamed NW Long Street to 'Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street.'

"This is history," Mariah's mother Todneisha Filer said at the dedication ceremony. "This is the first time in history Lake City has ever done anything like this. No other family should have to go through what I'm going through and I'm praying that we can stop the gun violence."

"The dedication of the Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street is a solemn commitment to remember Mariah and all the victims of gun violence," Assistant City Manager Dee Johnson said. "It is our hope this memorial will spark conversations, inspire, change, and serve as a beacon of remembrance for years to come."

https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/ ... f97e22528c