bigrus

SPD: Pathologist determines Statesville woman’s death was accidental

Harry November 8, 2024

FROM PERSONNEL REPORTS

After a five-month investigation, the death of a 33-year-old Statesville woman was ruled an accident.

The Statesville Police Department announced its findings regarding the death of Shelbie Lynn Smith in a press release Friday morning.

SPD officers responded to a report of a missing 4-year-old child at 521 Hickory Avenue on the morning of June 1. A concerned citizen, trying to get the child back to his home, found the child near Wilson Lee Boulevard.

After arriving at the residence, the person found Smith unresponsive. While medical teams were dispatched to the scene, it was determined that the woman died at the scene.

Given the circumstances, the SPD Violent Crimes Unit conducted an in-depth investigation in cooperation with the NC State Bureau of Investigation. Officers carefully examined the residence, collecting and testing multiple items to help understand the events leading up to Smith’s death, according to the news release.

The state pathologist officially ruled Smith’s death accidental.

“Out of respect for Ms. Smith’s family’s privacy, the Statesville Police Department will limit further details being released to the public,” the department said. “We extend our sincere condolences to Ms. Smith’s family and loved ones during this difficult time and ask that the community respect their privacy.”