In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Phoenix, Arizona, the life of 64-year-old Leibby Jeannette Smith was tragically cut short in a sudden and violent act. On April 16, 2023, Smith was at a restaurant near 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road when the unthinkable happened. Just after 1:30 a.m., a vehicle approached the establishment and an occupant, or occupants, opened fire in the direction of the business.
The hail of bullets struck Leibby, a female, causing fatal injuries.
Another woman who was also present at the scene was wounded in the drive-by shooting. Both victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Leibby Jeannette Smith succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. The second woman was treated for serious injuries.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Phoenix Police Department launched a homicide investigation. Detectives arrived at the scene to piece together the events that led to the deadly assault. According to their preliminary findings, the suspect vehicle fled the area immediately after the shooting. To date, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects in connection with the murder of Leibby Jeannette Smith, and no arrests have been announced. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. The perpetrators of this senseless act of violence remain at large.
