30-Year-Old Rapper and His 5-Year-Old Daughter Die at Car Wash – Details

A community in Forest Hill, Texas, is reeling after a heartbreaking act of violence claimed the lives of a father and his young daughter at a local car wash on Monday morning (March 3, 2025).

According to authorities, the fatal shooting unfolded just before 11 a.m. (around 10:45 a.m.) at Slappy’s Express Car Wash, located along Forest Hill Drive.

Police confirmed that a man and a young girl were sitting in their vehicle when two individuals approached in a white Kia sedan. Without warning, the suspects opened fire before quickly fleeing the scene.

Family members later identified the victims as 30-year-old Ronnie Smith, a local rapper who performed under the name G$ Lil Ronnie, and his daughter, R’Mani, who was just five years old.

The devastating loss came only one day after R’Mani celebrated her birthday, turning what should have been a joyful memory into an unimaginable tragedy. “All we know is that he was cleaning the car out and somebody came through shooting and killed him and the baby,” Smith’s aunt, Stella Houston, explained.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving relatives and the wider community in shock. As authorities carried out the investigation on Monday, a steady stream of family members and close friends gathered nearby, standing together in grief as police combed through evidence.

Those who knew Smith described him as a devoted father who loved his two children dearly and minded his own business.

“He didn’t target anyone. He was a family man and he was going around rapping” Houston noted. She then questioned why anyone would target her nephew, adding, “And a baby? His baby?”

Authorities later confirmed that one suspect had been identified, though they have not publicly released a name. However, police confirmed that an arrest warrant for Capital Murder has been issued in connection with the case.

The fatal shooting also highlighted a troubling shift for the typically quiet city of Forest Hill. Investigators noted that the city didn’t report a single homicide in all of 2024—but with Monday’s tragedy, the community’s homicide count for 2025 has already climbed to five thus far.

Some residents expressed growing concern about the apparent rise in violence, including local man Randy Owens, who shared his sense of unease with NBC 5 DFW.

“You just got to be careful out here, watch your step, it’s crazy out here. You’re not safe nowhere, you just got to pick your spots, you know what I’m saying?” divulged Owens.

Meanwhile, Slappy’s Car Wash, where the deadly shooting took place, released a statement expressing shock over the incident. The business also announced it would remain closed for at least two days while the investigation continued.

Apart from Owens, among those shaken by the violence is Becky Johnson, another resident who lives just across the street from Slappy’s Car Wash.

Still visibly rattled as she recalled the chilling moments to FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth reporter Peyton Yager, Johnson described hearing rapid bursts of gunfire ring out.

“Six the first time and then it was like a half a second to a second I heard six more and then a half a second or a second later, I heard three more,” recounted Johnson.

The sudden eruption of gunfire left her stunned, watching in disbelief as people scrambled for safety. “I could see people reaching for their cars,” she said, explaining how witnesses instinctively ducked behind their vehicles, desperate for cover.

As the investigation continues to unfold and the community processes the shocking violence, the tragedy also caught the attention of an icon in the music industry. Famous rapper Soulja Boy took to his Instagram Story to pay tribute to fellow artist Smith.

In the post, the “Turn My Swag On” musician shared a photo of himself posing alongside Smith—a moment that now stands as a reminder of their connection.

Accompanying the image, Soulja Boy included a string of emojis, “🙏🏾🕊️🔗,” signaling both grief and respect for his fellow rapper.

Weeks before tragedy struck, Smith offered his followers a heartwarming glimpse into his life as a devoted father. One of his final social media posts was a touching Valentine’s Day tribute dedicated to his daughter and her young friend.

The images showed Smith crouching down with a wide smile, posing proudly with the two little girls in front of a festive backdrop that reads “Valentine’s with Dad.” R’Mani, who donned a cute red sweater, blue jeans, and white and red Nikes, stood next to her doting father.

Her little friend, who wore a Hello Kitty t-shirt, light-colored pants, and black sneakers, stood on the other side of Smith, who sported a white jacket, matching pants, and a gray beanie.

In another snapshot, the two little girls stood together in what appeared to be a school cafeteria, surrounded by classmates and glowing with excitement.

The post also includes a short video where Smith’s voice could be heard bursting with pride as he declared, “Got my little valentines with me today!” His caption further revealed the caring dad’s heart, capturing his warmth and kindness.

“My BabyGirl Couldn’t Stand The Fact Her Friend Was Sad 😔 This Morning Her Daddy Couldn’t Make it to Donuts With Daddy This Morning So Yu Know We Let Her kno it’s Ok 2 Join us & She Can Snap it Up & That Changed her Whole Mood ❤️💙 My Lil Valentines Literally 💘 [sic],” Smith wrote.

That tender moment, filled with love and generosity, now serves as a heartbreaking reminder of a father’s devotion and the beautiful bond he shared with his daughter.

At this time, we wish to extend our most sincere condolences to Smith and R’Mani’s entire family, friends, and loved ones as they mourn such significant losses. We hope for their healing amid this devastating time. RIP, dear Smith and little R’Mani.