15-Year-Old Killed in Her Sleep After Tragic Wrong Address Shooting

A tragic mistake has forever changed the lives of two families in Omaha, Nebraska. Selassie Spencer, a 20-year-old man, was sentenced to 75 to 90 years in prison for his role in the senseless killing of 15-year-old Synthia Elliott. The young girl was shot and killed while she was fast asleep in her own home—a place where she should have been safest.

Back in November 2022, Spencer and three others drove to a house near 37th and Pinkney Streets, planning to attack someone they had a grudge against. But they relied on Google Maps to find the address, and when they couldn’t locate it, they chose a random house nearby. Without a second thought, they opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets into the home. Tragically, one of those bullets hit Synthia, ending her life in her bedroom.

Spencer later pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and using a deadly weapon. During his sentencing, he apologized, saying, “Taking a life is a burden I will carry the rest of my life.” Still, the judge handed him a long sentence: Spencer won’t be eligible for parole for 40 years and will likely remain behind bars for at least 47 years.

For Synthia’s loved ones, the sentence is only a small comfort. Family friend Malaiya Wagner expressed a mix of emotions after the court decision, saying, “It’s some type of relief. She deserved life. She was only 15. She was sleeping in her own home.”

The tragedy has left the community in shock. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said it’s hard to understand what the shooters were thinking. “It appears the person they were intending to shoot wasn’t [Synthia], and they might have even been at the wrong address,” he said.

Synthia’s grandmother echoed this sentiment in a January 2023 interview, questioning whether someone else might have put the shooters up to it or if they had simply made a terrible mistake.

Spencer’s lawyer, Michael Bianchi, spoke about his client’s tough childhood and prior criminal history, which included time in state prison. But even he didn’t try to excuse Spencer’s actions, saying, “We’re here today because this poor young lady is not here, because of the stupidity of our client.”

Synthia was more than just a victim—she was a bright and kind-hearted young girl with a promising future. A student at North High School, she was actively involved in her community, participating in the Black Student Leadership Council and helping out with the school’s sports department. She loved music, dancing, and making TikToks, and was always quick to help anyone in need. Her family remembers her as “the friend everyone wanted, but didn’t deserve.”

This heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence. A bright light has been lost, and an innocent family continues to grieve the loss of their beloved Synthia.