Phoenix Teen Found Dead in Senior Community, Elderly Suspect Dies by Suicide Days Later

Kyelonna Meya Smiley, 15, was discovered fatally shot in the head in a senior community in Phoenix on August 4

A 67-year-old Arizona man took his own life after being identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old girl whose body was discovered inside an apartment in a senior living community in Phoenix.

Kyelonna Meya Smiley was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head at approximately 9:40 a.m. on August 4 in an apartment located near 75th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. Investigators quickly linked Nohe Prado Morelia to the killing, though authorities have not disclosed how the suspect and victim were connected.

Just four days after Kyelonna’s body was discovered, Morelia was located at a business near 24th and Van Buren streets, where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Phoenix police confirmed they believe Morelia murdered the teen but said the motive remains unknown and the case has been closed due to the suspect’s death.

Neither detectives nor Kyelonna's mother has any idea why the teenager was even in the apartment

Kyelonna’s mother, Fiyonna Austin, said she last saw her daughter on August 1 and initially believed the teen was staying with a friend. Kyelonna had previously left home without permission before, but always returned. After several days without contact, Austin reported her missing on August 4 — the same day her daughter’s body was discovered.

Austin said she remains frustrated and heartbroken over the lack of information from investigators and the unanswered questions surrounding her daughter’s death. Kyelonna, who was preparing to begin her freshman year at Trevor Browne High School, will be laid to rest on Friday.

“Her promising life was cut short, leaving us with immense grief,” Austin said.