Miami-Dade County, FL — The close-knit community of Naranja is grappling with a devastating tragedy following the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Rae’quan Smith on February 7, 2025. The incident has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, as more details have come to light and authorities charged two individuals connected to Rae’quan’s death—his 17-year-old sister, Deashia Smith, and 19-year-old Elton Hightower—with second-degree murder.
On the night of February 7, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responded to a ShotSpotter alert reporting an alarming 39 rounds fired in the 13800 block of Southwest 266th Street. When deputies arrived, they found multiple bullet casings scattered around the scene but no victim present. Soon after, Rae’quan was transported to the HCA Florida Cutler Bay Emergency Center by two unidentified men. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Rae’quan tragically succumbed to his multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into this violent incident quickly gained traction. Authorities’ work intensified when, on March 10, Deashia Smith was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Forensic experts connected the weapon in her possession to one of the guns used during the shooting that took Rae’quan’s life. Further probing revealed a disturbing premeditation, as Deashia reportedly informed her mother of plans to “do a drill” targeting an individual named Rashad. Witness testimonies corroborated the notion that both Deashia and Elton Hightower fired shots at Rae’quan before fleeing the scene. Cell phone location data placed Hightower at the crime scene during the shooting, strengthening the case against him.
Both Deashia Smith and Elton Hightower now face serious charges of second-degree murder. Due to the severity of the crime, Deashia, despite being a minor, is being prosecuted as an adult. They remain held without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.
This grim family tragedy has left the Naranja community reeling and deeply saddened. The notion that a sister could be implicated in the murder of her own brother has stunned residents and community leaders alike. The incident underscores the pervasive and complex issues of violence that afflict many neighborhoods, often entangled with family dynamics and other underlying social challenges.
Local officials and residents have voiced their sorrow, emphasizing the urgent need to address root causes that contribute to such senseless acts of violence. Many hope that this case will not only bring justice for Rae’quan but also serve as a catalyst for stronger community engagement, intervention programs, and support systems aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
As the judicial process unfolds, all eyes remain on the case, reflecting the community’s desire for accountability, healing, and a safer future for its youth. The loss of Rae’quan Smith is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of collective efforts to combat violence in all its forms.
For those affected by this tragedy and the wider community, the journey toward justice and reconciliation is just beginning. Authorities continue to investigate and encourage anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the pursuit of truth.
The heartbreaking case of Rae’quan Smith remains a solemn call to action for communities, leaders, and policymakers to redouble efforts in addressing violence and protecting vulnerable individuals from preventable harm.
