Dareyona Smith, an 18-year-old African American female, tragically lost her life on March 12, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois. Dareyona was a senior at Ralph Ellison High School, known for her dedication to academics and athletics. She was a member of the basketball, softball, and volleyball teams, and was admired by her peers and teachers for her positive spirit and commitment to her community.
On the day of her death, Dareyona had just finished softball practice and was walking home with friends when she was caught in a hail of gunfire aimed at someone else. She was struck in the back and succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on the 7900 block of South Paulina Avenue. Dareyona was standing with a 23-year-old man when a dark-colored Nissan drove by, and someone inside the vehicle opened fire. The man was hit in the foot and survived, but Dareyona was fatally wounded. The shooting took place in broad daylight, in a busy area with many witnesses. Despite this, the perpetrators have not been apprehended, and the case remains unsolved.
Community members and activists, including Father Michael Pfleger of Saint Sabina Church, have rallied to demand justice for Dareyona. They have called on anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Dareyona's mother, Katina Gunn, has also been vocal in seeking justice for her daughter, expressing her heartbreak and disbelief over the senseless violence that took her daughter's life. The investigation into Dareyona's murder is ongoing, with detectives urging witnesses to provide any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
Dareyona's death is a stark reminder of the pervasive gun violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on families and communities. Her story highlights the urgent need for effective measures to address and prevent such tragedies, and for community cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice.
