June 3rd, 2016 by WCBC Radio
Maryland State Police homicide investigators are investigating the apparent murder of a woman found dead in her Washington County home late this morning.
The victim is identified as Sonya Y. Smith, 55, of the 23000-block of Foxville Road, Smithsburg, Md. The victim’s body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy. Investigators anticipate the autopsy will verify the cause and manner of death.
Shortly before 11:00 a.m. today, Maryland state troopers from the Hagerstown Barrack were dispatched to Smith's residence to check her welfare. Family members contacted the barrack and requested the check because they had not had contact with Smith for the past two days.
When troopers arrived at the home, they found it to be secure from the outside, with no signs of forced entry. Troopers then forced their way into the home to search for the woman.
Troopers found the woman, later identified as Smith, lying on a bedroom floor. Troopers observed obvious signs of trauma on the woman's body. EMS personnel responded and pronounced her deceased. Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, as well as the Criminal Enforcement Division, responded to conduct the investigation.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence before scene processing began. Maryland State Police crime scene technicians processed the scene for evidence throughout the afternoon.
Investigators are continuing to interview family members, friends and residents in the area, as well as collect and examine evidence. No one has been charged in connection with this crime and a motive has not been identified.
Anyone with possible information about this crime is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Hagerstown Barrack at 301-766-3800. The investigation is continuing.
CONTACT: Greg Shipley – Office of Media Comm. – 410-653-4236 or 410-653-4200.
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