State Attorney John F. Durrett announced that on November 13, 2025, Matthew Rice was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 12-year-old Mariah Smith. Rice also received the maximum sentence of 15 years for the attempted murders of Todrion Jenkins, Mariah’s brother, and Deadra Filer, her grandmother. Rice was 18 years old at the time of sentencing.
Rice was convicted on October 10, 2025, after a jury found him guilty of Second-Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder. Evidence at trial showed that at 9:04 p.m. on August 24, 2023, twenty-five rounds were fired into the Smith family home. Mariah, who had been doing homework and watching cartoons, was struck by a bullet and fatally wounded. Video footage captured three individuals fleeing the scene immediately after the shooting. Investigators recovered twenty-five 9mm shell casings and a red-dot laser sight designed for a handgun. DNA testing linked Matthew Rice to this firearm accessory, with his DNA found on the textured surface used to open and insert batteries. Investigators also presented a recorded interview in which Matthew Rice gave false information about his whereabouts on the night of the murder. Additional video evidence showed Rice fleeing the scene with others involved in the shooting. A search of his phone revealed messages directing others to remove or destroy evidence related to the homicide.
At sentencing, the Court noted that the defendant’s school records documented more than 20 disciplinary referrals over several years for violent behavior and threats toward other students, with the severity of these incidents escalating over time. The State further noted that the school system attempted to intervene and address Rice’s conduct on at least 40 occasions, but he refused to comply with those efforts. Several of the victim’s family members and friends also testified or submitted letters supporting the State’s recommendation of a life sentence. The Defendant declined to make any statement prior to sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Lake City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and State Attorney’s Office investigators. The State of Florida was represented at trial by lead counsel, Assistant State Attorney Sean Crisafulli, and co-counsel, Assistant State Attorney Melissa Blackwell. The Honorable Leandra Johnson presided over the case.
