A deadly shooting that occurred on Monday morning, March 3, 2025, has left the North Texas music community and others in shock. G$ Lil Ronnie, whose real name was Ronnie “LilRonnie” Smith, a local rapper, and his 5-year-old daughter were both shot at Slappy’s Express Car Wash in Forest Hill, a suburb of Fort Worth.
Authorities believe the attack was targeted, and a capital murder warrant has been issued for at least one suspect, though their identity has not yet been released.
The news has shocked the local hip-hop community, with artists and fans alike mourning the tragic passing of a rapper who was not only well-known for his music but also for his dedication to his daughter.
The horrific incident unfolded just before 11 a.m. in the 6500 block of Forest Hill Drive. Witnesses said two armed men jumped out of a white Kia, went up to G$ Lil Ronnie’s maroon Challenger, and opened fire. The gunmen then fled, leaving a heart-wrenching tragedy behind.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite lifesaving efforts, both Lil Ronnie and his daughter were pronounced dead at the scene.
Residents nearby described the terrifying moment as a hail of bullets rang out. One witness recalled hearing, “six shots, a pause, then six more, and then three more right after.” The brutal nature of the attack suggests a targeted killing, though police have not confirmed a specific motive.
With dozens of evidence markers spread across the car wash, the crime scene painted a grim picture of violence that has left a community reeling.
G$ Lil Ronnie was more than just a rising rapper—he was a storyteller, an artist who painted vivid pictures of street life through his music. Known for songs like “Hoodfame Killuminati”, “Wops”, and “Crash Pt. 4”, he had built a loyal following with raw, unapologetic lyrics that spoke to real-life struggles.
His music wasn’t just about beats and bars—it was about authenticity. He didn’t sugarcoat the world he came from, and fans respected him for it. His 2023 album, “Literally,” gained traction, and his last single, “Chase,” released in 2024, showcased his ability to blend gritty street tales with introspective storytelling.
In an interview last year, Lil Ronnie spoke about his approach to music, saying,
“I just tell my truth. People feel it because it’s real.”
He believed in staying true to himself and his fan base, never compromising his style for mainstream success.
But beyond the rapper, he was a devoted father. His social media was filled with moments of love and laughter with his daughter, showing a side of him that fans didn’t always see in his music. In one post, he shared a touching moment where his daughter comforted a sad friend, writing,
“My baby girl couldn’t stand to see her friend sad, so we made her smile. That’s just who she is.”
That same little girl, who had just celebrated her fifth birthday the day before, was taken in an instant—another innocent victim of senseless violence.
Forest Hill Police are treating the case as a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. Investigators have identified at least one suspect, and a capital murder warrant has been issued. However, officials are not yet releasing names, and the second gunman remains unidentified.
The white four-door Kia used in the attack is a critical lead, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
Forest Hill Police Chief stated,
“This was a brazen attack in broad daylight, and we are committed to bringing justice to the victims and their family.”
Community members have taken to social media to demand action, with many questioning the rise in gun violence in what was once a quiet suburb.
The loss of G$ Lil Ronnie and his young daughter has hit the hip-hop community and residents hard.
On social media, fellow artists and fans expressed their grief and disbelief. One user posted, “They murdered Lil Ronnie while he was with his baby girl… y’all have no morals. This is beyond sad.”
Longtime collaborator Go Yayo, who worked with Lil Ronnie on “Hoodfame Killuminati,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing,
“Life or death four u big brudda.”
At the car wash, where the tragedy occurred, a makeshift memorial has started to grow. Fans have left flowers, candles, and handwritten notes, paying tribute to an artist whose voice was silenced too soon.
His aunt, Stella Houston, spoke with reporters, still trying to process the loss.
“He was a good kid. He wasn’t out here looking for trouble. He was a father, a rapper, and a family man. Why would anyone do this?”
It’s a question that haunts his family, his fans, and a city that has seen too much violence in recent weeks.
The deaths of G$ Lil Ronnie and his daughter mark the fourth and fifth homicides in Forest Hill this year—a troubling statistic considering the city had zero homicides in 2024.
Even more disturbing, this shooting is the third deadly incident in less than two weeks.
- On February 21, a former employee killed two people at a car dealership.
- The next day, on February 22, a woman was hit by a stray bullet in her backyard.
- Now, this broad daylight execution has left two more lives lost.
Residents are worried. “This is getting out of control,” said one local, shaking his head. “When is it gonna stop?”
As police in Forest Hill continue to investigate, the community is preparing to say goodbye to a father and daughter whose lives were cut far too short.
