Cortney Louise Smith, an 18-year-old female from Statesville, North Carolina, tragically passed away on November 7, 2016. Cortney was born on February 25, 1998, and was a graduate of West Iredell High School. At the time of her death, she was working for Piedmont Health Care. Cortney was survived by her parents, Douglas Smith Jr. and Jennifer Peck Smith, as well as her two sisters, Emily and Savannah Smith.
The circumstances surrounding Cortney Smith's death were both tragic and
avoidable. On the evening of November 7, 2016, Cortney was accidentally shot and killed by her boyfriend, Jason Tenor, at a home on Treeline Drive in Statesville. Jason Tenor, 21 years old at the time, was handling a friend's handgun and pulled the trigger, believing the gun was not loaded. Unfortunately, there was still a bullet in the chamber, and the shot struck Cortney in the head, killing her instantly.
Witnesses who were present in the house at the time of the incident reported hearing laughter before the shot was fired. Jason Tenor immediately called 911 and admitted to accidentally shooting his girlfriend. He was cooperative with the investigation and admitted to handling the gun recklessly. During the investigation, officers also discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the home, which Tenor admitted belonged to him.
As a result of the incident, Jason Tenor faced multiple charges, including felony involuntary manslaughter, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given a $15,000 bond. The tragic death of Cortney Smith serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mishandling firearms and the devastating consequences that can result from such actions.
