A Mother's Love Silenced: The Unsolved Murders of Monique Smith and Her Sons

A Quiet Neighborhood Shattered

In the early hours of March 10, 2017, the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans was jolted awake by a horrific discovery. Inside a modest home on the 4200 block of Touro Street, 30-year-old Monique Smith and her two young sons, 10-year-old Justin Simms and 6-year-old JuMyrin Smith, were found shot to death. Monique had been shot in the head, as had Justin, while JuMyrin suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the face. The family's 12-year-old daughter, A’Miya Smith, was also shot but miraculously survived the attack.

A Family Devastated

Monique Smith was a dedicated mother and a hardworking individual, known for her role as the head cook at Ted’s Frostop Diner. Her life revolved around her children, and she was described by relatives as someone who loved her family deeply. The family had moved into the Gentilly neighborhood less than a year before the tragedy, and neighbors recalled seeing Monique walking her children to the school bus each morning.

The Sole Survivor's Strength

A’Miya Smith, the only survivor of the attack, displayed remarkable courage in the face of unimaginable trauma. Despite being critically injured, she managed to call the police, providing the first alert to the horrific scene. Her father, Justin Simms, expressed profound admiration for his daughter's resilience, noting that she witnessed the deaths of her mother and younger brother yet still found the strength to seek help.

A Community in Mourning

The brutal murders sent shockwaves through the Gentilly community and the broader New Orleans area. Neighbors and friends were left grappling with the senselessness of the violence. Samuel Smith, a neighbor, recalled the family's generosity and the children's friendly demeanor. The tragedy was further compounded by the fact that the children were scheduled to receive school awards for perfect attendance and self-determination on the day of their deaths. ...Read More

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