In the town of Old Harbour, St Catherine, Jamaica, a wave of mourning has swept through the community following the tragic death of a beloved local, Shanae Smith, affectionately known as ‘Nae Nae’.
The 23-year-old, a former student of Old Harbour High School, was pursuing her education in the United States when she was fatally shot in the head, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, Keire Schloss, in Lithonia, Georgia.
Details surrounding the incident remain incomplete, but according to reports from Fox5 Atlanta, the shooting occurred on Fields Drive and Chupp Lane in Lithonia shortly before 3 pm on Saturday.
Neighbors told FOX 5 they heard a single gunshot Saturday afternoon.
DeKalb County police have characterized the event as a case of “domestic violence”.
According to reports, Smith had ended the relationship with the suspect, but reports suggest he continued pursuing her. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Smith’s mother shared that during the Easter holidays, her daughter had hinted that there was some tension in the relationship. However, she said there was nothing to suggest it would escalate.
Schloss had allegedly called Smith’s mother after he shot her.
As of Sunday afternoon, Schloss has not been apprehended by DeKalb County police.
Tributes to Shane Smith
News emerged late Saturday that Smith succumbed to her injuries. Social media has since been flooded with tributes for the young woman.
On Smith’s Facebook page, in particular, relatives and friends have been expressing their sadness at her tragic death.
“We were robbed of your life today, Shane R Smith. You’re the epitome of what a daughter, niece, aunt cousin, and friend should be,” wrote an aunt of the deceased.
“I don’t know how we will go on without you. If only RIP meant return if possible. Pain in every language,” she added.
Meanwhile, there were more tributes for Smith on Instagram.
“How can you say you love someone for so many years and then just kill them? Nae Nae (Shanae Smith) you didn’t deserve this death. You had your whole life ahead of you,” a woman said.
Added another: “I’m still in denial. To the sweetest short girl Ik (I know), rest well Nae Nae.”
