Florida Teens Sentenced to Life After Bragging on Instagram About Killing 12-Year-Old Girl Sitting on Her Couch, Prosecutors Say
LAKE CITY, FLORIDA — Two Florida teenagers will spend the rest of their lives in prison after a jury found them responsible for gunning down 12-year-old Mariah Smith, who was sitting on a couch inside her family’s home when the suspects sprayed the house with 25 bullets during a feud with her older brother. Prosecutors say one teen bragged on Instagram, writing “I know, I did it” just an hour after the girl was murdered.
Prosecutors Say Attack Stemmed From Feud With Victim’s Brother
The deadly shooting occurred on August 24, 2023, when the suspects allegedly walked to the Smith residence on NW Long Street and opened fire. Police found 25 shell casings and a laser sight outside the home.
Mariah was found on the couch with a gunshot wound to her head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later learned the attack stemmed from a conflict involving Mariah’s older brother and the suspects.
Two Teens Receive Life Sentences; Third Defendant Awaiting Trial
Matthew Rice, now 18, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Prosecutors said Rice’s DNA was found on one of the weapons used.
Jayden Burch, now 17, was also sentenced to life in prison after his conviction in August. Prosecutors described Burch as the ringleader, claiming he provided guns and initiated the plan.
Assistant State Attorney Sean Crisafulli told the court:
“There is no homicide here without Jayden Burch. It was from Burch’s home that the individuals left to do what they did.”
A third teen, Jatarious Rashad Fluellen, who was 14 at the time, is still awaiting trial.
Instagram Messages Show No Remorse, Prosecutors Say
Just one hour after Mariah was killed, prosecutors say Burch took to Instagram and bragged about the murder to a girl he knew.
Crisafulli told the court:
“Within an hour of the homicide, he is bragging on Instagram… saying he deleted the message, not knowing we could still retrieve them.”
When asked about the shooting, Burch allegedly replied:
“I know, I did it.”
Despite overwhelming evidence, Burch showed no remorse. In court he claimed:
“Y’all got the wrong person; I’m innocent.”
Evidence Includes DNA, Surveillance Footage, and Digital Records
A probable cause affidavit stated that Rice’s DNA was found on a laser sight left at the scene. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and digital communications also linked the suspects to the killing.
Fluellen was the first to be arrested. Burch was taken into custody in October 2023, and a grand jury indicted Rice in February 2024.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Rice, according to courtroom reports.
Community Honors Mariah with Street Renaming
Lake City officials later renamed the street where Mariah died to honor her memory:
Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street
At the dedication ceremony, Mariah’s mother, Todneisha Filer, said:
“This is history. No other family should have to go through what I’m going through. I’m praying that we can stop the gun violence.”
As Lake City continues to heal from the tragedy of Mariah Smith’s death, the case stands as a painful reminder of the impact of youth violence and community conflict. For ongoing updates on major crime cases, justice developments, and local news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.