COVINGTON, Ky. – A 14-year-old boy was tragically killed in a double shooting near Latonia Elementary, leaving his friend, Miley, and their community devastated. Amani Smith lost his life, and his loved ones are left grappling with the senseless violence that took him too soon.
The community gathered for a balloon release to honor Amani’s memory, with his girlfriend Miley recalling the harrowing moment she held him as he took his last breath. She herself was injured in the shooting, now relying on crutches as a physical reminder of the tragic event.
A memorial now stands at the bus stop where the shooting occurred, filled with purple balloons, candles, and flowers in remembrance of Amani. His family described him as a funny and happy kid, emphasizing that he did not deserve to die in such a manner. Amani had just celebrated his 14th birthday, and his parents are heartbroken that he was taken from them in such a senseless act of violence.
As the community mourns Amani’s loss, they are also grappling with the impact of gun violence on young lives. A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection to the shooting, leaving the community reeling from the tragedy.
Amani’s siblings are left to carry on his memory, with his 11-year-old sister recalling how she looked up to him. The family is determined to keep Amani’s spirit alive and to advocate for keeping guns away from children, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies in the future.
The Covington community is also facing additional concerns, as the school has been made aware of social media threats regarding a possible shooting. The authorities have been alerted, and the threats are being investigated to ensure the safety of the students and the community.
The tragic loss of a young life has prompted an outpouring of grief and a call for action to address the issue of gun violence in the community, as Amani’s loved ones and the entire city come together to mourn and seek solutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.