- November 23, 2024
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Flagler Palm Coast High School student Noah Smith, 16, was killed in a shooting in Bunnell after 10 p.m. in the 400 block of South Anderson Street the night of Jan. 12.
“We’ve been informed of multiple threats against the alleged perpetrator and the possibility of people taking matters into their own hands. While we share in the anger, sadness, and frustration of this unfortunate event, we are asking the community to let us conduct our investigation and allow us to get justice for the victim and his family."
— RICK STALY, Flagler County sheriff
The Bunnell Police Department initially headed the investigation, but the Flagler County Sheriff's Office's Major Case Unit took the lead on the evening of Jan. 13 because the case may require investigative techniques beyond Bunnell's jurisdiction, according to a news release from the FCSO.
“We have heard the chatter of recent threats and retaliation in the community,” Sheriff Rick Staly said, according to the FCSO's news release. “Retaliation and violence will not be tolerated, and we will do everything in our power to prevent crimes or additional violence stemming from this senseless killing. We’ve been informed of multiple threats against the alleged perpetrator and the possibility of people taking matters into their own hands. While we share in the anger, sadness, and frustration of this unfortunate event, we are asking the community to let us conduct our investigation and allow us to get justice for the victim and his family. Detectives are working around the clock to solve this murder which took a young man’s life, and we will not rest until his killer is brought to justice."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FCSO (at 386-313-4911 or [email protected]) or CrimeStoppers (1-888-277-TIPS), Staly added, and there is a reward of up to $5,000 for tips that could lead to an arrest.
"Your help and information is the best way to honor the memory of Noah," Staly said. "Together, we will get justice for Noah and his family.”
Flagler Schools notified school staff the morning of Jan. 13 by email, not mentioning the student's name, and has a response team with school psychologists and counselors on campus, according to school district spokesman Jason Wheeler.
"They've been there since the beginning of school today; they’re always available to other campuses as well, as needed," Wheeler said.
"Anytime you lose a student, no matter what the circumstances are, it’s felt across the district," Wheeler said. "The loss of a young life — it’s difficult to understand."
The district will cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation continues, Wheeler said.
"We do stand by our teachers, staff and students who may need extra support over the coming days, and, of course, this young man’s family."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FCSO at 386-313-4911 or [email protected], or to call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.
Last updated: 9:50 p.m. Jan. 13.
