LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville mother is turning the unsolved murder of her son into a blessing for others, providing healing and opportunity for dozens.
A makeshift memorial in the city's Park Hill neighborhood marks the spot where Rose Smith's son was shot and killed nearly 10 years ago. Since then, the case has gone cold — but his legacy lives on.
This memorial sitting outside of The ACE Project in Louisville's Park Hill neighborhood marks the spot where Rose Smith's son, Cory Ace Crowe, was shot and killed in October 2014. Smith founded the nonprofit following her son's death. (WDRB photo/July 12, 2024)
"And then we get this call and just ... your whole life could change in just a matter of minutes," Smith said Friday.
It was October 2014 when she received one of those life-changing phone calls.
"He said, they believe Cory has been shot," said Smith.
Her son was found shot to death inside a car on Standard Avenue in Louisville's Park Hill neighborhood.
"Cory Ace Crowe. He was 24," Smith said.
Almost 10 years later, and no one has been arrested for Crowe's murder. But the scene, and lives, have been transformed.
"I tell everybody, this is just the beginning. The best is yet to come," said Smith.
Rose Smith founded The ACE Project following the murder of her son, Cory Ace Crowe, in October 2014. (WDRB photo/July 12, 2024)
Several years ago, she purchased an abandoned home next door to the scene where her son was shot.
"I heard there was a lot of illegal activities going on here," she said. "It was an eyesore."
But now, it's home to The ACE Project — which stands for Acting Compassionately Everyday.
"That is my main acronym, but I have a lot of acronyms ... all communities excelling," Smith said. "All children excel in the academy to entrepreneurship, but basically acting compassionately everyday."
The nonprofit is used to help teens learn skills, like how to become entrepreneurs.
"Daily, we have youth ages 10 to 18 come here," Smith said.
Sherita Smith isn't one of the youth who participates in the program, but like Rose Smith, she's a grieving mother.
"It gives me a sense of purpose," said Sherita Smith, whose son Tyree Smith, 16, was murdered at his school bus stop in 2021.
Sherita Smith, whose son Tyree Smith, was shot and killed at his school bus stop in 2021, said The Ace Project gives her a sense of purpose. (WDRB photo/July 12, 2024)
She said she goes to The ACE Project to help with the youth and for peer support.
"And I tell people, you know, my son he got a death sentence and I got life," said Rose Smith. She's using her tragedy to help others through events like the upcoming Peaceful Pool Party.
"I want to spend my time making a difference in the world, a better place," she said.
The pool party is being held Sunday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Calypso Cove Family Waterpark on Mill Brook Road in Louisville. Organizers said there will be food, fun, and giveaways. Those interested in attending must RSVP by clicking here.
For more information about The ACE Project, click here.
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