Family grieves loss of grandmother killed in Phoenix drive-by shooting

PHOENIX — A senseless act of violence has left a south Phoenix family heartbroken after a drive-by shooting claimed the life of their family matriarch: a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Now, the friends and family members of 72-year-old Joanne Smith are left grappling with the tragic event, searching for answers as Phoenix police continue their investigation into the attack.

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

Family members say the chaotic events unfolded at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 3. As they gathered outside Smith’s home, a black Nissan Altima drove by, firing multiple rounds indiscriminately at the house. Smith, who had been sitting on the front porch, was struck by several bullets. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead from her injuries.

The unexpected violence has left those who knew her in shock. Thomas Smith, her son, recalls the harrowing moment when the gunfire erupted. 

“It didn’t hit me right away. I know it was just a quick, bam, bam, bam, bam,” he said, still reeling from the trauma. 

The bullet holes left behind, along with an empty chair on the porch where Smith had been sitting, serve as stark reminders of the violence that forever changed their lives.

“They took a caring young lady who was somebody’s mother, somebody’s grandmother, somebody’s friend. The people who responsible know what they did. The best thing to do is turn yourself in,” Thomas said.

Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, who describe her as a kind and loving woman who deeply impacted her south Phoenix neighborhood.

The shooting has left many wondering why this family’s home was targeted. Smith’s loved ones insist there was no known conflict that could explain such an attack.

“She didn’t have no kind of situation with anyone to do her like this,” her friend, Debra Hollins said. “I’m going to be missing my angel again.”

Hollins stopped by the family’s home on Monday to offer a hug and condolences. She wept in their front yard as she shared an embrace with Smith’s family member.

“I lost my mom 34 years ago, and it’s like I’m losing another mother again,” she shared, echoing the sentiments of the entire community.

Phoenix Police say their homicide detectives are actively working to find who is responsible for the drive-by shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Silent Witness at 480(WITNESS) or 480(TESTIGO) and provide an anonymous tip. Rewards will be paid for information leading to an arrest in this case.

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app!

The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.

12+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

On social media: Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.