Kaylee Marie Smith, a 21-year-old Caucasian woman, was tragically killed on August 16, 2023, in a road rage incident in Warsaw, Virginia. The shooting occurred on Route 360 near the Warsaw Village shopping center. Smith was a passenger in a vehicle when shots were fired from another car, striking her. She was transported to VCU Medical Center in Tappahannock where she succumbed to her injuries.
The primary suspect in the shooting was identified as 18-year-old James Anthony Benjamin
Barnes of Coles Point. Following the incident, Barnes fled the state and was apprehended in South Carolina after a police pursuit. A passenger in Barnes' vehicle was also taken into custody at that time. Barnes was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in connection with Smith's death. In April 2025, James Anthony Benjamin Barnes pleaded guilty to felony murder, shooting from a vehicle, and shooting into an occupied vehicle as part of a plea agreement. His sentencing is scheduled for August 25, 2025.
The investigation into Kaylee Smith's death revealed the potential involvement of multiple individuals. In December 2023, a grand jury indicted a fifth suspect, Michael Woodson of Kinsale, on a string of felony charges related to the murder. At the time of his indictment, Woodson was reportedly recovering from a serious accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his condition, he was initially held at the Northern Neck Regional Jail before being granted a medical furlough.
Kaylee was remembered by her family and friends as a devoted daughter, sister, niece, and friend with a beautiful soul and a contagious laugh. Her family described her as a selfless person who always prioritized the well-being of those around her. An avid animal lover, she cared for a variety of pets. Her interests included fishing, riding mini-bikes and four-wheelers, and spending time outdoors with her loved ones. A memorial service to celebrate her life was held on August 20, 2023, at Covenant Funeral Home in Fredericksburg.
