BUNNELL, Fla. — The final chapter in a nearly three-year investigation came to a close Tuesday as Tyrese Patterson, 23, of Palm Coast, was convicted and sentenced for his role in the 2022 murder of 16-year-old Noah Smith.

Patterson was found guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of possession of a weapon by delinquent act. Judge Dawn Nichols of the Seventh Judicial Circuit sentenced him to 30 years in state prison immediately following the verdict.

Patterson is the last of four individuals to be convicted in connection with the Jan. 12, 2022, drive-by shooting in Bunnell that claimed the life of Smith, an innocent bystander. The case, initially handled by the Bunnell Police Department, was later turned over to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, which led the investigation through its Major Case Unit.

“Patterson’s conviction marks the closing of a three-year investigation and prosecution to bring justice for Noah Smith and his family,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I promised Noah’s family that we would catch his killers, and the sentencing of this last killer completed that promise.”

“While we can’t bring Noah back,” Staly added, “I hope the finality of this case brings satisfaction to the families and the community to know that the murderers and their accomplices were held accountable to the fullest of the law. I also commend our Major Case Unit detectives, CSI, and Real Time Crime Center analysts that left no stone unturned… and State Attorney Larizza and his team for a successful prosecution.”

Smith’s death sparked a years-long pursuit of justice involving multiple agencies and extensive forensic work. With Patterson’s sentencing, all individuals tied to the shooting are sentenced.