Lake City, FL – Matthew Rice, 18, received a life sentence on Thursday for the murder of 12-year-old Mariah Smith. A jury convicted Rice of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder after a shooting that occurred in August.
The incident involved a dispute between Mariah’s brother and the suspects, during which Rice fired at least 25 rounds into her home. Last month, 17-year-old Jayden Burch also received a life sentence for his role in the shooting.
Prosecutors indicated Rice’s DNA was found on one of the firearms used. They claimed school officials made multiple attempts to address Rice’s behavior without success.
Burch was described as the ringleader by the prosecution. According to assistant state attorney Sean Crisafulli, Burch initiated the violent confrontation over an altercation with Mariah’s brother.
At his sentencing, Burch showed no remorse and allegedly bragged about the shooting on social media shortly after it occurred.
Witnesses indicated he communicated details of the shooting, which included a declaration of guilt sent via Instagram. Burch maintained his innocence during the court proceedings.
The Lake City police responded to the shooting just after 9 p.m. on August 24, 2023. They found Mariah suffering from a gunshot wound, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators discovered numerous shell casings outside the home, linking Burch to the crime. The investigation revealed that he provided the weapons used in the attack.
Jatarious Rashad Fluellen, another suspect in the case, remains awaiting trial. He was arrested shortly after the incident, marking the beginning of a string of arrests related to the shooting.
Marina’s tragic death prompted community outrage and led to officials renaming the street where she was killed as Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street. Mariah’s mother expressed her hope that no family would have to face similar pain in the future.
