Close friend speaks out about Daleville teen killed in domestic dispute
DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — Alina McKnight, who was helping her friend Jacob Wade Smith, who had been living in a rough situation recently, was floored after she found out through text that he was shot and killed Tuesday.
“I just called my mom crying, my mom was distraught and she called a friend to see what you know about this since you live near Daleville and at that point, it was just grief, sadness, and tears,” McKnight said. “I was in shock definitely in shock because it was someone my age.”
Smith was found dead after being shot in the neck at a home in the 100 block of Woodland Drive in Daleville.
Officials say Smith and another family member got into a fight that later escalated to the use of a gun leaving Smith dead.
Police say they have been called to the home before. Although there is no motive at the time, McKnight says after recently reaching out to Smith inquiring about his well-being — he often expressed having problems at home. She said he would try to live in the streets as an escape.
“It’s domestic issues at that same dwelling and he decided he was better off living in the streets of Daleville than at home,” She said.
That’s when McKnight and her mother stepped in to help him–even providing shelter for him like a tent and other essentials so that he could make it on his own.
Friends say Smith dropped out of Daleville High School and was trying to get his GED at Enterprise State.
“My mother and I wanted to help him get on his feet such as getting him in the military with his situation,” McKnight said.
Mcknight said despite his situation, Smith was humble, open-hearted, and creative and his heart was always in the right place.
“His presence always mattered to me,” She said. “He always cared and he made it known because we went out of our way and he was appreciative in that sense and now I can’t text him and ask if he’s okay it hurts that he’s gone and tragic someone leaves this young.”
No charges have been filed at this time.
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