St. Louis City police have identified the woman found dead Monday in a backyard on Cook Avenue as 40-year-old Lindsey Smith, a resident of Richmond Heights. Her body was discovered partially frozen, and an autopsy later confirmed she had been shot in the head. Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Prosecutors have charged 54-year-old Ephron Long, who lived next door to where Smith’s body was found, with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and resisting arrest.
Investigators say Smith had been in contact with Long on January 3, texting him that she no longer felt safe at his home. After that, her phone activity stopped. A witness reported hearing an argument at Long’s residence days before the body was found, followed by the sound of a gunshot.
During the investigation, police found blood both inside and outside Long’s home. Initially, Long denied knowing Smith, but later gave conflicting statements.
He is currently being held without bond at the St. Louis City Justice Center. The case remains under active investigation.
On behalf of The New Real STL News crew, I send prayers to the family and friends of Lindsey Smith especially her beautiful children. We’re keeping them lifted during this time.
