Lexington family seeks answers in shooting death of 18-year-old
The family of an 18-year-old Lafayette High School graduate is seeking answers about his death in a shooting July 4, and say they are concerned about the police department’s handling of the case.
Tyler Jay Smith died after suffering “a gunshot wound to the head and facial area” while attending a gathering with five other young adults, according to his paternal grandmother, Necee Anderson.
Anderson said the shooting occurred at a home on Blue Bonnet Drive, which is near Winthrop Drive and Waveland Museum Lane, between 2:26 and 3:30 a.m. July 4.
Smith was taken to University of Kentucky Hospital and pronounced dead at about 6 a.m., she said in a statement shared with the Herald-Leader and posted on social media.
“We are deeply concerned by what we believe has been a lack of communication, transparency, and adherence to standard investigative practices surrounding the circumstances of his death,” the statement said.
The family said they were first told that the death “was being treated as an accidental shooting based largely upon the accounts provided by those present.
“We have since been informed that the matter remains an open investigation. We recognize that investigations require time and that facts may evolve. However, we believe our family deserves timely communication, transparency regarding investigative procedures, and assurance that every aspect of this case is being thoroughly reviewed.”
The Lexington Police Department did not issue a news release in the aftermath of the shooting, and did not immediately answer questions Friday about the circumstances.
Smith’s death has not been listed among the homicide investigations on the police department’s website.
“This case involves a tragic death and the investigation is ongoing,” Lexington police Sgt. Bige Towery said in a statement Friday. “It is important to note, LexPD Detectives and victim advocates assigned to this case have been in contact with immediate family members on multiple occasions.
“As this remains an active investigation, we are not able to discuss specific aspects to maintain the integrity of the case. Detectives are still following up with witnesses and other pertinent information related to this investigation.”
The police department urged anyone with information about the case to call 859-258-3600 or submit an anonymous tip through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling 859-253-2020, visiting bluegrasscrimestoppers.com or using the P3 Tips app at p3tips.com.
Family members say they first learned of Smith’s death when "a concerned neighbor” drove to Smith’s grandparents’ home and told them.
“Learning of Tyler’s death through a private citizen rather than the authorities responsible for investigating the incident compounded our grief and created unnecessary confusion during one of the most devastating moments of our lives,” Anderson’s statement says.
“Additionally, we have serious concerns regarding the investigative process.”
Family members say they believe some evidence and eyewitness testimony might not have been collected.
The statement said they are disappointed in “limited communication” from police about the status of the investigation and have begun trying to gather information for themselves.
Funeral services for Smith were conducted Friday at Consolidated Baptist Church.
A GoFundMe account set up to help Smith’s mother said he had worked at Kroger and Little Caesars and was “the kind of young man every parent hopes their child will become. He was quick-witted, genuinely funny, incredibly respectful, and had a heart full of kindness.”
The GoFundMe account had raised more than $18,000 as of Friday night.
Anderson said Smith graduated from high school just last month. He planned to study robotics at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, WKYT reported.
The family says his death can also serve as “an opportunity to educate our community, particularly young people, about firearm safety, responsible firearm storage, and the devastating consequences that can result from mishandling weapons.”
“Tyler’s life mattered,” Anderson’s statement says.
“His death should not pass quietly without meaningful discussion and examination. If awareness and education can prevent even one family from enduring this kind of heartbreak, then his life can continue to make a difference.”
