NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — A Quest for Justice 12 Years Later
It’s been twelve long years since the life of Travis Smith was tragically cut short. For his sister, Tyesha Simmons, time seems to stand still when it comes to remembering her brother. “It feels like only seconds,” she reflects with deep emotion.
The Heart of a Community
Travis is fondly remembered as a kind-hearted individual who loved basketball and was a devoted dad. His family is determined to ensure that his memory isn’t lost to time. They have been actively pushing for justice through rallies and flyers, hoping that this can lead to some much-needed closure. “We want to make sure he’s not forgotten,” Tyesha shares earnestly, echoing the sentiment of many in the community who still feel Travis’s absence.
A Fateful Night
On that fateful evening on September 29, 2012, Travis was at Ridgeview Manor Apartments in North Augusta with friends. During a chat, he was last seen in the breezeway with a woman when tragedy struck. “Two men in hoods approached him, pulled out a gun, and shot him,” Tyesha recalls, her eyes reflecting the pain of that moment. “From what I was told, he ran into the house, and that’s where he succumbed to his injuries.”
The Search for Justice
Even after this significant passage of time, authorities indicate they are still actively seeking leads and witnesses in Travis’s case. Tyesha believes that the investigation initially lacked a sense of urgency. “I don’t even know who’s on the case anymore. The detective who was working it is no longer there,” she expressed, highlighting her frustration with the lack of clear communication about the case progress.
Keeping the Flame Alive
Tyesha is committed to keeping awareness alive. Recently, a billboard funded by the organization Season of Justice went up on Edgefield Road, aiming to spark any information that might come forward. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, they’ve still not received any tips. “We’re still hoping something will come up,” she insists. “We’re not going to give up hope.”
National Day of Remembrance
With the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims approaching on September 25, Tyesha is advocating for better support for families affected by such tragedies. She emphasizes the need for increased resources and outreach from victim advocates, voicing concern that many families may not even know who their victim advocate is. “I would like to go into that field myself to help others in the way I wished someone had helped me,” she explains passionately.
Legacy of Love
In the midst of heartache, Tyesha finds a silver lining in her niece, Travis’s daughter, who is now 21 years old and studying nursing at USC Aiken. “She was an honor student and graduated cum laude,” Tyesha beams with pride, before adding, “It’s hard because she missed a lot of life moments due to his death.” Her daughter is the spitting image of Travis, a bittersweet reminder of the love they all share.
Call to Action
For anyone who may have any information that could help solve this case, Tyesha urges you to reach out to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety. Every piece of information counts, and there’s a family waiting for justice.
As the community comes together to remember Travis Smith, they remind us that even in the darkest times, hope and determination can light the way toward justice and healing.
