The Virginia Soul Singer, Latoya Acree was known for her sturdy powerful voice until she was allegedly shot and killed by her son, Elijah D. Smith during an argument in September 2021. The talented singer reportedly had a strained relationship with her then-21-year-old but no one thought it would lead to matricide.
The singer was popular not just in her community but also as a band member of the Washington D.C based band, True Soul. Aside from her singing career, Latoya Acree was developing her career in acting before she passed at the age of 41.
What Led to the Death of Latoya Acree?
On 16 September 2021, the Sheriff’s office in Spotsylvania received a call from Acree’s neighbor regarding a shooting. By the time the authorities got there, she was found lying with a gunshot wound on her upper body in the driveway of her home in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
All the attempts Medics did to save her were unsuccessful and Latoya was pronounced dead almost immediately. Following an investigation that was issued after the shooting, it was discovered that the singer was shot by her 21-year-old son Elijah Smith.
Here Are 10 Shocking Facts About The Singer
1. Latoya Acree Was a Trained Cosmetologist
Latoya Clara Acree was born to the family of Telia Acree and Milton Carpenter on November 23, 1979. Also, she was the granddaughter of Sterling and Clara Acree.
She attended a public school in Essex and Arlington County. After high school, she moved to Woodbridge and later to Spotsylvania. She also attended Paul Mitchell Hair School where she earned a license in Cosmetology and also a certificate in healthcare for Phlebotomy.
The singer later furthered her education at Germanna Community College where she received an associate degree in Criminal Justice. At the time of her death, she was a student at Walden University with the hopes of earning a degree in Social Work.
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2. The Singer Was Also an Entrepreneur
After working at a beauty shop for a while, Latoya decided to open her own shop. Aside from the beauty shop, she has worked for Walgreens as a Pharmacy Technician and medical transport.
3. Cooking Was Reportedly Therapeutic for the Late Singer
Latoya Acree was not just an entertainer but also a very good cook. She reportedly loved cooking because she believed it was therapeutic for her. Also, she revealed to her friends that she received her cooking skills from her mother and her grandmother. She also shared her culinary skills on social media.
4. Latoya Acree Was a Single Mother of Four
Being a single mother was not easy for the deceased singer but she reportedly had a large heart to accommodate as many children as she could. She also shared her struggles as a single mom of four to other women, encouraging them to keep pushing.
She reportedly did her best to provide for her family. Acree reportedly cherished her children and was very protective of them.
5. Latoya Acree Was the Lead Vocalist of True Soul
At the time she died, she was the lead vocalist for the Washington-based band. She joined the band in 2019 and was preparing to perform at a concert for awareness in her community before she passed. Unfortunately, she did not live to attend the awareness for domestic violence but it was dedicated to her.
Her bandmates described her as a very genuine and good-hearted person. The leader of the band revealed Acree had never been in a band before but upon joining True Soul, she blended quite well in the band.
Until her death, she was a group member in Voices of Reason (VOR) on Smule.
6. The Singer Was Building a Career in Acting
Latoya dabbled in acting as well. She starred in a movie produced by Broadway Harris called District Queens. The singer played the role of Ebony in the movie which was filmed in Washington.
7. Many People Were Inspired by Her Melodious Angelic Voice
While growing up, Latoya joined the mt. Hope Baptist Church where she sang in the Mt. Hope Combined Mass Choir. She also sang in a musical play at the recreation center in Fredericksburg.
8. Latoya Acree Became a Born Again Christian As a Child
According to reports, the singer became born again at an early age while attending the Antioch Baptist Church in Champlain, Virginia. She has reportedly encouraged others to trust in God despite life challenges.
9. The True Soul Singer Had a Strained Relationship With Her Son
According to reports, the Virginia singer and her son were having a domestic argument before the shooting happened. After the shooting her son fled the vicinity.
Elijah was later found at a hotel in Four Mile Fork. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
10. Elijah Smith Was Earlier Freed on Bond on an Assault and Battery Charge
Following the death of his mother, Elijah Demont Smith became the number one suspect. He is reportedly being held in the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond. The authorities revealed he was earlier freed from an assault and battery charge following an incident that happened in Spotsylvania on August 16, 2021, and he was to be on trial on October 9, 2021, in Spotsylvania General District Court before he allegedly murdered his mother.
