Keithan Whitmire, a 15-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on April 18, 2018, in Asheville, North Carolina. Keithan, affectionately known as "Little Kilo," was a bright and spirited young man who was deeply loved by his family and friends. He was born on October 4, 2002, to the late Erica Smith and Keithan Whitmire. Keithan was known for his artistic abilities and his love for wrestling, having competed on both Asheville Middle School and Asheville High School's wrestling
teams.
On the night of April 18, 2018, a horrific shooting occurred in West Asheville, resulting in the deaths of Keithan Whitmire, his 13-year-old sister Harmony Smith, and their mother, 32-year-old Erica Nichelle Smith. The perpetrator of this heinous act was identified as Maurice Laron Garner, a 35-year-old man who had been in a relationship with Erica Smith. The incident began with an argument between Erica and Maurice at her place of employment, Mission Hospital, earlier that day. The argument escalated, leading to the tragic events that unfolded later that night.
Maurice Garner arrived at the family's home on Hansel Avenue and opened fire, killing Erica Smith and her two children, Keithan and Harmony. Three other children in the home were also injured in the shooting. A 12-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was hospitalized in stable condition. Two other children, aged 10 and 8, suffered graze wounds and were treated for their injuries. A sixth child, a 6-year-old boy, was not at home at the time of the shooting and was unharmed.
Following the shooting, Maurice Garner fled the scene and was later found dead in a car from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Asheville Police Department conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, and it was determined that the shooting was a result of a domestic dispute between Erica Smith and Maurice Garner. The police released 911 call transcripts that provided a heartbreaking account of the immediate aftermath of the shooting, with one of the surviving children calling for help and identifying Maurice Garner as the shooter.
The tragic deaths of Keithan Whitmire, Harmony Smith, and Erica Smith left a profound impact on the Asheville community. Friends, family, and community members mourned the loss of these vibrant lives and came together to support the surviving children. The incident also highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing resources for those in abusive relationships.
