National City, CA — Heartbroken over the recent death of 12-year-old Elijah Smith, a family is seeking community support to capture those responsible for the fatal shooting at a party in an abandoned house in National City. The tragic incident, which claimed Elijah’s life and injured four others, occurred late Friday evening, leaving a local family and community in distress.
During a press event outside the National City police headquarters, Oakley Smith, Elijah’s older sister emphasized their quest for justice, not just for her brother but for all affected. “We want justice for all the victims,” she urged, as her mother, Sofia Alvarez-Smith, stood by sharing her profound grief and disbelief.
Elijah, a seventh grader at Lemon Grove Academy Middle, had a bright personality and was known for his efforts to uplift everyone around him. Remembered as an “innocent soul” who often played the peacemaker, his unexpected presence at the raucous gathering remains a mystery to his family. According to his mother, she was out of town and Elijah was supposed to stay home on that fateful evening. During their last conversation, she recounted telling him, “Be good, stay home.”
The police response to multiple emergency calls revealed a chaotic scene at a property on N Avenue near 8th Street with over 100 youths present. Officers from neighboring precincts were called in to help manage the situation and secure the area. By the time authorities arrived, the perpetrators had fled, and no arrests have been made. The investigation continues, with police indicating the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation between two groups.
Currently, all victims, mostly under-18 males, are in stable condition, the police confirmed on Sunday. Meanwhile, Alvarez-Smith’s entreaty for an end to gun violence resonated with urgency. “It’s devastating that I have to bury my child due to reckless gun violence,” she expressed.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Smith family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover Elijah’s funeral costs. Still reeling from the abrupt loss, the Smith family faces not only emotional but also financial strains. “We need to give him the farewell he deserves,” Oakley Smith shared on the fundraising page, emphasizing the family’s sudden financial burden due to mourning and inability to work.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to step forward to assist in the resolution of this case. Tips can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers or directly to the National City Police Department.
As the community reels from this senseless tragedy, the heartfelt plea from Elijah’s family for witnesses to share any details serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against youth violence and the unforeseen harm it inflicts on families and communities alike.