In a heartbreaking act of violence, Texas rapper G$ Lil Ronnie and his 5-year-old daughter, R’Mani, lost their lives in what police are calling a targeted shooting at a Dallas car wash on Monday morning.
The tragedy unfolded at Slappy’s Car Wash, where two gunmen pulled up in a white Kia, exited their vehicle, and unleashed a barrage of bullets at the parked car where Ronnie Smith (G$ Lil Ronnie) and his daughter were sitting. In a desperate attempt to protect his child, Smith ran to draw fire away from the car but was fatally shot.
Shocking surveillance footage of the attack has surfaced online, showing the harrowing final moments before Smith collapsed to the ground. Witnesses reported hearing between 20 to 30 gunshots during the assault.
Both Smith and young R’Mani were pronounced dead at the scene, just a day after the little girl had celebrated her fifth birthday.
“He was a family man. He didn’t bother nobody,” Smith’s grieving aunt Stella Houston told reporters. “Why would anyone target him? They shot and killed him and his baby. A baby! His baby!”
Smith had made a name for himself in the Texas rap scene, amassing over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. One of his biggest songs, “Hoodframe Killuminati” (2018) featuring Go Yayo, remains a fan favorite.
Authorities have identified one of the suspects and issued a capital murder warrant, though his identity remains undisclosed. Both gunmen were described as Black males wearing blue jeans and grey sweaters at the time of the attack.
In response to the tragedy, Slappy’s Car Wash announced it would shut down for at least two days to assist in the investigation.
“We are shocked, appalled, and deeply troubled by the senseless violence that occurred today,” the business stated.
As police continue their search for those responsible, the Dallas community mourns the loss of a talented rapper and his innocent daughter, gone too soon in a horrific act of violence.
