Crime
Family Seeks Support Following Tragic Loss of 30-Year-Old Laronda Gilmore
Cleveland, OH – The family of 30-year-old Laronda Gilmore is seeking community support following her tragic passing.
According to Daylan Smith, a family spokesperson, Laronda was found deceased on February 22, 2025, inside an abandoned home in the Cleveland area.
At this time, the cause of death remains undetermined, as an autopsy is currently underway.
“This devastating loss has placed an immense emotional and financial burden on our family,” Smith shared. “We want to give Laronda the proper farewell she deserves, but we are struggling with the unexpected costs.”
Described as someone with a kind and giving spirit, Laronda was known for her selflessness and willingness to help others, even when she had little to give.
However, she did not have life insurance, leaving her family to bear the financial challenges of her final arrangements.
The family is now asking for donations to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. “No contribution is too small or too big,” Smith expressed. “We appreciate any support during this heartbreaking time.”
Those willing to assist can make donations through the family’s designated fundraising platform or contact them directly for more information.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to those offering prayers, condolences, and support as they navigate this profound loss.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.