UNIVERSITY CITY, MO – Ra’Niyah Smith has been charged with second-degree murder after a drug deal ended in gunfire on November 23, 2025, in University City.
Police say officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 6600 block of Etzel. When they arrived, one woman was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds, and a man was also shot and rushed to the hospital. Pills believed to be Percocet were scattered near the woman’s body.
Investigators say text messages between Smith and the female victim arranged a Perc30 deal. Smith allegedly arrived at the scene with several others. Witnesses say multiple shots were fired during the exchange. The male victim was trying to get back in the vehicle when he was hit.
Smith was later identified through witness accounts, phone records, and social media activity. Police believe the shooting was intentional and that Smith poses a danger to the community.
