Amarriah Smith, a 19-year-old student at Elizabeth City State University, was found dead in the trunk of an abandoned car in North Carolina on January 15, 2024. The suspect, a 21-year-old man named Dequan Johnson, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The motive and the relationship between the victim and the suspect are still under investigation, but it is believed that they knew each other. The tragic death of Amarriah has shocked and saddened her family, friends, and community, who are demanding justice and raising funds for her funeral expenses.
Who is Amarriah Smith?
Amarriah Smith was a bright and ambitious young woman who had a passion for learning and helping others. She was a sophomore majoring in biology at Elizabeth City State University, where she was a member of the Honors Program and the Student Government Association. She had aspirations to become a doctor and make a positive impact on the world.
Amarriah was also a loving daughter, sister, and friend, who was described by her family as “the glue that held them together”. She was always cheerful, supportive, and generous, and had a beautiful smile that lit up any room. She enjoyed reading, dancing, and spending time with her loved ones.
What Happened to Amarriah Smith?
On January 15, 2024, Amarriah Smith’s life was cut short in a horrific way. Her body was discovered in the trunk of an abandoned car that was towed from a parking lot in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The car had been reported stolen by its owner, who had left it unlocked with the keys inside.
The police were alerted by the tow truck company, who noticed a foul odor and blood stains coming from the trunk. They opened the trunk and found Amarriah’s body wrapped in a blanket. She had been stabbed multiple times and had signs of blunt force trauma to her head.
The police quickly identified and arrested the suspect, Dequan Johnson, a 21-year-old man who lived in the same apartment complex as Amarriah. He was charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond. The police are still investigating the motive and the relationship between the victim and the suspect, but they believe that they knew each other and had some kind of dispute.
Response from Family and Community
The news of Amarriah Smith’s death has devastated her family and community, who are mourning the loss of a bright and promising young woman. Her family has released a statement, saying that they are “heartbroken and in disbelief” and that they “want justice for Amarriah”.
Her friends and classmates have also expressed their grief and shock, and have organized vigils, marches, and petitions to honor her memory and demand accountability. They have described Amarriah as a “kind, smart, and beautiful soul” who “did not deserve this”.
In addition, her family and community have launched a fundraising campaign to cover her funeral expenses and support her family. They have set up a GoFundMe page, which has raised over $20,000 in donations so far. They have also received donations from local businesses, churches, and organizations, who have shown their solidarity and compassion.
Conclusion
Amarriah Smith was a 19-year-old student who had a bright future ahead of her, but her life was tragically taken away by a senseless act of violence. Her death has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and community, who are grieving and seeking justice. Her story has also raised awareness and concern about the issue of violence against women, especially among young people. Amarriah Smith will be remembered as a shining star who touched many lives with her kindness, intelligence, and beauty.
