Sad day in Detroit. My heart aches for the family of 2-year-old Wynter Smith. July 3rd, I remember waking up in a frantic scare early Monday morning due to an Amber Alert going off on my phone. 2-year-old Wynter Smith was abducted from her home late Sunday night where she lived with her mother. Later the next morning we received more information that an Amber Alert was issued for Smith after her mother was sexually assaulted and her home was invaded in Lansing, MI. by her ex-boyfriend 26-year-old Rashad Trice.
According to police, officers were first dispatched to the Lansing home for a possible stabbing. When the police arrived, they found a 22-year-old woman who had been assaulted and suffered stab wounds. 2-year-old Wynter was last seen around 11:30 p.m. on July 2nd. an Amber Alert was issued around 1 a.m. July 3rd. Trice fled Lansing in the victim's white Chevy Impala. Monday, July 3rd. police arrest Rashad Trice in St. Clair Shores after a police chase that reached speeds of 100mph. Trice was stopped involving a crash with police. Trice was arrested and taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. When arrested, there were no signs of 2-year-old Wynter Smith. Police laid out the map they believed Trice traveled from Lansing to St. Clair Shores asking the public to be on the lookout for the missing child.
As a mother and a human being this story touched my heart. I prayed for the safe return of missing Smith.
With a sad heart on July 5th.Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee stated " I am deeply saddened to report the search for Wynter Cole Smith has come to an end. 2-year-old Wynter Smith's body was found dead in an alley near Knodell and Erwin St on Detroit's east side. Approximately 6:50 p.m. FBI agents located the body of Wynter Smith. FBI Agent Devin Kowalski gave a briefing near the scene where Smith's body was found stating this case has moved from a missing child to homicide investigation. The entire city of Detroit is hurt by the tragic death of Wynter Smith.
2-year-old Wynter Smith's body was found 11 miles from location suspect Rashad Trice was arrested in St. Clair Shores on Monday.
It is with a heavy heart that I send prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Wynter Smith during this difficult time. I hope that as a community we find a solution to the senseless crimes in our communities. If you or anyone you know is dealing with mental health issues, please reach out to The Mental Health Hotline a safe, free, confidential 24-hour hotline for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or any mental health crisis. Call Free Now 866-903-3787