J.C. Derrick
A six-month investigation has culminated in a third arrest in connection with the shooting death of a 12-year-old last August in Lake City.
The Lake City Police Department (LCPD) announced Friday that the arrest of 17-year-old Matthew Rice had taken place without incident on Thursday.
“With this third arrest, all the individuals involved in this heinous crime have been identified and charged,” Police Chief Gerald Butler said in a statement. “I would like to thank the community for their assistance,
the State Attorney’s Office and the tireless work of our Detectives in working this investigation. We understand the impact violent crimes have on our community, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”
According to LCPD, on Aug. 24 officers responded to a home on NW Long Street after receiving a report of a person shot. The victim, later identified as 12-year-old Mariah Smith, had been laying on a couch when a bullet struck her.
Officers and EMS administered first aid to Smith, but she succumbed to her injuries.
Within days, police arrested 14-year-old Jatarious Rashad Fluellen. In October, investigators also
arrested Jayden Tyler Burch, then 15.
Fluellen, Burch and Rice, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, all face a murder and attempted murder charges.
LCPD spokesperson Gerald Butler said Rice’s arrest came after the lab finished processing evidence.
“We had probable cause to get someone we believe committed murder off the streets, so we arrested him,” Butler said.
Butler did not have any information on court dates for the three teens. He confirmed that detectives are not looking of any other suspects but said the investigation is ongoing.
“They have loose ends to tie up, people to interview, more evidence to be processed,” Butler said. “We don’t have any idea on motive at this point.”
In December, Lake City renamed Long Street in Mariah Smith’s honor.
“It is our hope this memorial will spark conversations, inspire change, and serve as a beacon of remembrance for many years to come,” interim City Manager Dee Johnson said in a statement.
