Nationwide — A tragic taking pictures at a automotive wash in Forest Hill, Texas, on Monday claimed the lives of Ronnie Smith, a 30-year-old native rapper often called G$ Lil Ronnie, and his 5-year-old daughter, R’Mani. The taking pictures occurred round 10:45 a.m. at Slappy’s Specific Automobile Wash on Forest Hill Drive. Based on People, Smith and his daughter had been of their car when two suspects in a white four-door Kia approached and opened fireplace earlier than rushing away. Each victims had been pronounced useless on the scene. The incident has left the neighborhood in shock, with relations mourning the loss and authorities actively investigating.
Relations revealed that R’Mani had simply celebrated her fifth birthday the day earlier than the taking pictures, making the tragedy much more devastating. Stella Houston, Smith’s aunt, shared that he had been cleansing out his automotive when the suspects opened fireplace. “He was simply cleansing the automotive out, and any individual got here by means of taking pictures and killed him and the child,” she mentioned. The violent assault has raised considerations within the space, as Smith was described as a faithful father and an artist who had no identified enemies.
Family members gathered close to the crime scene all through the day, grieving and demanding justice. Many who knew Smith spoke extremely of his character, emphasizing that he was a household man who targeted on his music profession and prevented hassle. “He didn’t goal anybody. He was a household man and was simply going round rapping,” Houston added. “Why would anybody goal him? And his child?” The mindless nature of the crime has left the neighborhood trying to find solutions.
Police confirmed that they’ve recognized one suspect in reference to the taking pictures however haven’t but launched a reputation. A warrant has been issued for Capital Homicide as authorities work to find the person. Investigators additionally famous that the town of Forest Hill didn’t report a single murder in all of final yr. Nonetheless, following this incident, the entire variety of homicides within the metropolis has now risen to 5 in 2025.
The rise in gun violence has left many residents feeling uneasy. “You simply need to watch out out right here, watch your step. It’s loopy out right here,” mentioned Randy Owens, a Forest Hill resident. “You’re not protected anyplace; you simply have to select your spots, you recognize what I’m saying?” Many neighborhood members echoed comparable considerations, expressing frustration over the violence affecting their neighborhoods.
Slappy’s Specific Automobile Wash, the place the taking pictures occurred, launched a press release expressing its shock and disappointment over the incident. As a precaution, the enterprise introduced it could stay closed for a minimum of two days whereas the investigation continues. In the meantime, Smith’s household and buddies proceed to grieve, hoping that justice will quickly be served for each him and his younger daughter.
