Vigil for teen shot dead at North Philadelphia home – NBC10 Philadelphia

A community gathered Friday to commemorate the life of a North Philadelphia teenager who was shot and killed in a home Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Hundreds of people gathered near the Temple University campus to remember Alaysia Smith, known for her heart of gold.

As the investigation continues to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the 13-year-old girl's death, her friends and family said their final goodbyes on Friday, September 20.

“I thank everyone for coming out for my family,” said Ayla Bruce, Smith’s mother.

Sadness at the North Philly football field near 11th Street and Cecil B Moore Avenue. They were there to pay tribute to the life of the 13-year-old.

“She was very loved not only by her parents and the Blackhawks, but also by the community,” one person said.

For Alaysia, the field where the wake was held felt like home as a member of the Blackhawks youth cheerleading squad. Her mother remembers the eighth-grader who loved fashion and had just started doing hair.

“She had a heart of gold, she was a sweetheart,” Bruce said.

It happened two nights ago when the Wissahickon Charter School student lost her life.

Investigators say Smith was visiting a friend in the 2800 block of North Bailey Street when witnesses heard a gunshot.

It was at this point, according to witnesses, that two teenagers fled the house.

Smith was found dead in an upstairs hallway.

Her loved ones are still in disbelief, but they say they find comfort in knowing she was adored by many in her community.

It was a final goodbye as the teenager's mother wiped away her tears. They all looked up to the sky with Alaysia in their thoughts.

“Our goal here at the Blackhawks Athletic Club is to keep kids off the streets and involved in sports. This is a tragedy for the family and we send them our condolences,” said Erica Richardson of the Blackhawks Athletic Club.

Data Shows Impact of Gun Violence on Children in Philadelphia

According to data collected by the city comptroller's office, children account for about 13% of the nearly 800 shooting victims in Philadelphia so far in 2024.

According to public police data, at least 13 more young people under the age of 18 were shot dead in the city in 2024. That's down from 16 in the same period last year, a drop of about 19 percent.

While the trend is positive, youth gun violence is not declining as quickly as fatal shootings involving adults, which have fallen 41% from the previous year.

People under the age of 18 account for nearly 8 percent of fatal shootings in Philadelphia this year. Since 2015, nearly 200 children have been shot and killed in Philadelphia.

According to Philadelphia police data, at least 169 people have been shot and killed in the city so far this year, a drop of about 55% from the same period last year.