13-year-old girl ID'd after being shot, killed inside Philadelphia home

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The 13-year-old girl who was shot and killed inside a North Philadelphia home on Wednesday night has been identified as Alaysia Smith.

Ayla Bruce, the teen's mother, gave Action News her name and confirmed she was the minor who was shot and killed Wednesday night.

Police are investigating the shooting death that happened around 7:37 p.m. on the second-floor hallway of the home on the 2800 block of North Bailey Street.

Officers found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest. She was taken to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

It's a tough reality to accept for Bruce, who fell into the comforting arms of family members after breaking down in tears at the thought and mention of her daughter.

"She was just loved by everybody," Bruce said as she recalled her daughter's special qualities.

She said she had no idea how or why her daughter was shot.

No weapons were found at the scene, nor was any ballistic evidence.

Police believe Smith was at the house with other relatives to visit friends when she was shot. Her mother told Action News that Smith had friends on the block so it wasn't unusual for her to be there.

"We're from this neighborhood," Bruce said. "So she plays all around this neighborhood, but that is one of the streets she plays on."

One neighbor we spoke to burst into tears when she heard about the devastating loss.

"She was a young beautiful young lady. She had respect for everybody on the block," said Elizabeth Bishop.

According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, at least two teen boys who live at the home were seen fleeing after the shooting.

"It is a tragedy whether or not this was an accident or foul play. It's a tragedy all around, but detectives right now are working on several angles," said Small.

Those who knew the victim said she was a cheerleader who loved going to football games. Her mother said she was also a good student who kept her head in the books.

"She was an honor roll student. She loved to dance. She loved TikTok."

Wissahickon Charter School confirmed Smith was an eighth-grade student at their Fernhill Campus. The school released a statement regarding her death.

"Wissahickon Charter School is heartbroken to confirm that Alaysia Smith, the victim of the tragic violence in North Philadelphia yesterday, was an 8th grade student at our Fernhill campus. Alaysia attended our school since kindergarten and made an impression on everyone she met. She was a beautiful, vibrant person who we had the privilege to watch grow over many years. She will be terribly missed by our school community. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and with all who knew and loved this child. We are committed to supporting our students, staff, and families during this incredibly difficult time through on-going grief counseling and social emotional support. We are grateful for the support we have received from the local community."

No arrests have been made.

Police are reviewing private video and interviewing adults connected to the property to learn more.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.