Jaleeyah Tune, a vibrant 13-year-old seventh grader affectionately known as LeeLee, tragically lost her life in a fatal shooting in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on December 21, 2025, just days before Christmas.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the Alpha Arms Apartments on Alpha Court off Patetown Road, where unknown assailants fired multiple shots as she walked with her sister. This senseless act of violence has left the Goldsboro community in profound shock, mourning the abrupt end to a young life full of promise and joy.
As a seventh grader at Wayne Middle/High Academy, Jaleeyah embodied the bubbly energy and big personality typical of middle school students navigating friendships and growth in Wayne County. Her involvement as a cheerleader reflected an active spirit, channeling enthusiasm into school activities that fostered teamwork and school pride among peers. This engagement highlighted her role in the everyday vitality of student life in Goldsboro’s educational settings.
Jaleeyah was born premature just before Christmas in 2012, described by her mother as a “miracle baby” whose arrival brought immense joy and resilience to the family. Her close bond with her sister J’Sheeyah, who held her in her final moments, underscored the deep sibling love that defined their shared experiences in Goldsboro neighborhoods. This familial devotion created cherished memories of togetherness and support in their household.
The shooting unfolded as the sisters walked home after getting food, with a group of boys allegedly emerging from bushes and opening fire in an unprovoked attack. Jaleeyah succumbed to her wounds at the scene, while her sister survived unharmed physically but profoundly traumatized. Three teenage boys—two 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old—were swiftly arrested and charged with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy, reflecting a planned act that devastated the community.
The Goldsboro area has rallied in solidarity, with memorials of flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals at the site honoring Jaleeyah’s bubbly nature and smiling presence. Wayne County Public Schools pledged support services upon students’ return from break, recognizing the emotional impact on classmates and staff. Community leaders advocate for youth intervention to prevent similar tragedies in Goldsboro’s residential areas.
Jaleeyah Tune lived a life well lived, marked by bubbly joy, cheerleading enthusiasm, and profound familial love as a miracle baby in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Her legacy endures in the strengthened community she inspired and the joyful spirit she shared with family and friends alike. In this season of remembrance, her memory stands as a testament to embracing kindness, resilience, and heartfelt connections within the shared experiences of youth in Wayne County life.