Matthew Rice (born 2007) was apprehended by the Lake City Police Department (LCPD) in connection to the shooting death of 12-year-old Mariah Smith. Born on , 2007, Matthew Rice hails from Lake City, United States. As in 2025, Matthew Rice's age is 18 years. Check below for more deets about Matthew Rice. Learn more about Matthew Rice facts, biography, age, birthday, trivia and more.
Matthew Rice Profile:
| Stage Name | Matthew Rice |
| Real Name | Matthew Rice |
| Profession(s) | Suspect, |
| Birthday | , 2007 |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Age | 18 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Birthplace | Lake City, United States |
| Hometown | Lake City, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
Matthew Rice Family | |
| Father: | Not Available |
| Mother: | Not Available |
| Brother(s): | Not Available |
| Sister(s): | Not Available |
Family and Personal Life
- Matthew Rice‘ father’s name is Not Available and Matthew Rice‘ mother’s name is Not Available.
Matthew Rice Trivia
- Matthew Rice was born in Lake City, United States.
- Matthew Rice’s birth sign is Capricorn.
- Lake City Tragedy: Matthew Rice was arrested by the Lake City Police Department (LCPD) in connection with the shooting death of 12-year-old Mariah Smith.
- Charges: Rice faces charges of one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder, as announced by the LCPD.
- Third Arrest: Rice’s arrest is the third in the case, following the detention of two other teenagers, ages 14 and 16.
- Community Appreciation: LCPD Chief of Police Gerald Butler thanked the community, the State Attorney’s Office, and the detectives for their cooperation and dedication in resolving the case.
- Impact of Violent Crimes: Chief Butler emphasized the impact of violent crimes on the community and reiterated the department’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.
- Tragic Incident: Mariah Smith was killed in August when shots were fired into her grandmother’s home, but investigators believe she was not the intended target.
- Vibrant Personality: Mariah, a sixth-grader who always smiled and loved to dance, died tragically, leaving a deep impact on her family and community.
- Street Dedication: In December, the Lake City Council renamed Long Street Mariah Reginae Smith Forever 12 Memorial Street in honor of her memory.
- Community Remembrance: Councilwoman Chevella Young highlighted the significance of the street sign as a lasting reminder of Mariah’s story and its impact on the community.
- Awareness and Prevention: Mariah’s mother, Todneisha Filer, expressed her support for initiatives aimed at preventing similar tragedies, such as getting young kids off the streets and away from guns.
- Positive Response: Filer described the street renaming as a positive step toward combating gun violence and ensuring the safety of neighboring families.
- Gratitude for Support: The family expressed gratitude for the support received from the community during their time of grief.
- Continued Advocacy: Filer’s remarks indicate a commitment to ongoing advocacy efforts to prevent similar tragedies and promote community safety.
- Collaborative Efforts: The case’s resolution highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, the community, and local authorities in addressing and preventing violent crimes.
- Memory and Legacy: Mariah’s memory lives on through community initiatives and efforts to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence on families and communities.
FAQs
Who is Matthew Rice?
Matthew Rice was arrested in connection with Mariah Smith’s shooting death in Lake City, Florida.
Where is Matthew Rice from?
Matthew Rice is from Lake City, Florida, where the tragic incident involving Mariah Smith occurred.
Why was Matthew Rice arrested?
Rice was arrested in connection to the shooting death of Mariah Smith, as part of ongoing investigations by the Lake City Police Department.
What are the charges against Matthew Rice?
The Lake City Police Department says Rice is charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Who else was arrested in connection to Mariah Smith’s death?
Two other teenagers, aged 14 and 16, were previously arrested in connection to Mariah Smith’s death before Matthew Rice’s arrest.