In the quiet Snellville, Georgia community, a grim discovery was made on the evening of April 6, 2020. Natasha Smith, a 36-year-old African American woman, was found deceased in the backyard of her residence on Northbrook Road. She had sustained at least one gunshot wound. The initial call to emergency services was made by her boyfriend, Antoine McFarlane, who reported that he had come home to find her unresponsive.
At the outset of the investigation, authorities had no immediate
suspects or a clear motive for the shooting. Gwinnett County police detectives canvassed the neighborhood, searching for any witnesses or information that could shed light on the tragic event. Their efforts, however, quickly began to focus on the initial 911 caller.
Within a couple of days, the investigation took a significant turn. After interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene, investigators arrested Antoine McFarlane in connection with Natasha Smith's death. The 35-year-old was subsequently charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.
Authorities stated that the motive for the killing appeared to be domestic-related, suggesting a history of domestic issues between the couple. Following his arrest, McFarlane was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail, where he was held without bond.
