Arizona Man Kills 15-Year-Old in His Senior Living Apartment — Then Kills Himself Days Later

A tragic incident unfolded in a senior living apartment in Arizona, where a 15-year-old girl lost her life before the suspect took his own life days later. Kyelonna Meya Smiley, who was gearing up to start her freshman year of high school, was discovered shot to death on August 4th inside an apartment located at a senior community near 77th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard in west Phoenix. The Phoenix Police Department confirmed that the primary suspect in this case was 67-year-old resident Nohe Prado Morelia, with the investigation revealing that Morelia was responsible for the young girl’s death. The motive behind the tragic event remains unknown, with authorities concluding that no other suspects were involved in the incident, and subsequently closing the case.

Following the death of Smiley, four days later, Morelia was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a business near 24th Street and Van Buren. This devastating turn of events left the community and Smiley’s family reeling with shock and grief, struggling to make sense of the senseless tragedy. Fiyonna Austin, Smiley’s mother, expressed her frustration over not knowing why her daughter was at the senior community, as Smiley had left home and was believed to be staying with a friend before her untimely death. Austin described her profound sadness and devastation, condemning the perpetrator for robbing her of her beloved child, noting Morelia’s cowardly act of taking his own life without providing any answers as to why he committed such a heinous act.

In interviews with local media outlets, Austin shared her heartbreak and disbelief, mourning the loss of her daughter who had her whole life ahead of her. She emphasised the pain of losing her child at such a young age and the difficulty of coming to terms with the tragedy. The community rallied around the grieving family by launching a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and other related costs, offering their support during this challenging time. The initiative aimed to help alleviate some of the financial burden faced by the family as they navigate through this period of immense sorrow and loss, highlighting the solidarity and compassion of the community during moments of adversity.

The devastating loss of Kyelonna Meya Smiley serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of such tragedies on families and communities. The inexplicable nature of the incident has left many questions unanswered and emotions raw as loved ones grapple with the aftermath and seek closure amidst their grief. The outpouring of support and solidarity from the community underscores the importance of coming together in times of tragedy to provide comfort and assistance to those in mourning. As the investigation draws to a close, the memory of Kyelonna Meya Smiley will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, her bright future and untapped potential serving as a poignant reminder of a life taken too soon.

The collaboration between law enforcement, the community, and Smiley’s family highlights the need for compassion, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity, as they navigate through the complexities of grief and loss. The tragedy that unfolded in the senior living apartment in Arizona has reverberated through the community, prompting reflection on the importance of supporting one another during times of hardship and tragedy. The legacy of Kyelonna Meya Smiley will endure, reminding us of the value of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of unity in the face of adversity.