Harmony Smith, a 13-year-old African American girl, tragically lost her life on April 18, 2018, in Asheville, North Carolina. Harmony, affectionately known as "Ladybug," was a vibrant and charismatic eighth-grader at Asheville Middle School. She was deeply involved in extracurricular activities, particularly excelling in track and field, where she had dreams of becoming a professional athlete.
Harmony was also an active member of the youth development program "My Sistah Taught Me That," which empowered young girls through educational and enrichment opportunities.
On the night of April 18, 2018, Harmony, her mother Erica Smith, and her 15-year-old brother Keithan Whitmire were victims of a horrific domestic violence incident. The perpetrator, Maurice Laron Garner, 35, had an argument with Erica Smith at her workplace, Mission Hospital, earlier that day. Later that night, Garner went to the family's home on Hansel Avenue and opened fire, killing Erica, Harmony, and Keithan. Three other children in the home, aged 8, 10, and 12, were also injured but survived the attack.
The Asheville Police Department received a 911 call from one of the surviving children, reporting the shooting. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Erica Smith deceased and the injured children. Harmony and Keithan succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital. Garner was later found dead in a car nearby from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident was classified as a triple murder-suicide, and no further arrests or suspects were involved. The community of Asheville was deeply affected by the tragedy, and memorial services were held to honor the lives of Harmony, Erica, and Keithan. The surviving children received support and services from the Mountain Children Advocacy Center.
