Tashia "Big Baby" Smith, aged 40, tragically passed away on July 25, 2021, in Lakeland, Florida. Her death was a result of multiple gunshot wounds, and it was later determined to be a homicide. Tashia was found deceased in her Auburndale home on the morning of July 26, 2021. The discovery was made after her sister reported her missing to the Lakeland Police Department earlier that day. Tashia was last seen alive by her sister on the morning of July 25, 2021, at the Wing-Stop restaurant in Lakeland where she worked. She was scheduled to return to work later that day but never showed up.
The primary suspect in Tashia's murder was her long-term boyfriend, Larry Smith, aged 57. Larry and Tashia had been in a tumultuous relationship for over 20 years, marked by a history of domestic violence. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Larry Smith shot Tashia multiple times, leading to her untimely death. Larry Smith was apprehended by the Marion County Sheriff's Office shortly after the incident. He faced first-degree murder charges for the killing of Tashia Smith.
Larry Smith's criminal history was extensive, with prior charges including burglary, armed robbery, false imprisonment, aggravated assaults, numerous batteries, grand theft, retail thefts, resisting arrest, destroying evidence, and drug possessions. He had been to prison four times before the murder of Tashia. The authorities emphasized the dangerous nature of Larry Smith, describing him as a man who needed to be locked up to prevent further harm.
The case against Larry Smith proceeded through the legal system, with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies working diligently to ensure justice for Tashia. The investigation into her death highlighted the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues to prevent future tragedies. Tashia's death was a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect individuals from domestic abuse and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
