Cause of death changed from murder to accident in June case

According to a news release Friday (Nov. 8), Statesville police have completed a comprehensive investigation into the death of 33-year-old Shelbie Lynn Smith following initial response to an incident on June 1, 2024. As WHKY previously reported, the incident was initially ruled a homicide. Ms Smith's death has now been ruled an accidental death.

On the morning of June 1, officers responded to a report of a missing 4-year-old child from 521 Hickory Avenue. The child was found near Wilson Lee Boulevard by a concerned citizen who attempted to return the child home. Upon arrival at the residence, the individual found Ms. Smith unresponsive and emergency responders were called. Ms. Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Given the circumstances, the Statesville Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted a thorough investigation. Officers carefully searched the apartment, collecting and testing several items to understand the events that led to Ms. Smith's death.

The pathologist officially ruled Ms Smith's death an accidental death. Out of respect for the privacy of Ms. Smith's family, the Statesville Police Department will limit the release of further details.