In a quiet corner of Carriere, Mississippi, the life of 24-year-old Marlaina Marie Cortez Smith, a Hispanic/Latino female, was tragically cut short on Friday, June 13, 2025. What began as a domestic dispute escalated into a shocking act of violence that left two people dead and a community in mourning. Deputies from the Pearl River County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to a residence on Peach Tree Drive that afternoon after receiving reports of gunshots in the area.
Upon their
arrival, law enforcement discovered a grim scene. Marlaina was found deceased, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe the placement of her wounds suggests she was attempting to flee when she was shot. Also found on the property was the body of Gordon Smith, who had died from a single gunshot wound. The ensuing investigation led authorities to rule the incident a homicide-suicide, with Gordon Smith identified as the aggressor who took his own life after killing Marlaina. A short amount of time is believed to have passed between the two deaths.
The investigation revealed that the violence erupted following an argument between the two. While the specifics of their relationship were not detailed, the incident was rooted in a domestic conflict. It was noted that law enforcement had been called to the residence previously for a juvenile matter. The 911 call that alerted authorities to the fatal incident was made by Smith's juvenile daughter, who witnessed the events unfold. Due to the circumstances, no arrests were made in connection with Marlaina's death as the perpetrator died at the scene.
Marlaina, who had moved to Picayune, Mississippi at the age of 13, was remembered for her outgoing personality and contagious smile that could make anyone laugh. She had a deep love for her family, especially her sisters and nieces, with whom she spent a great deal of her time. Her adventurous spirit was matched by her love for animals of all kinds. Memorial services were held later in the month in Picayune, where family and friends gathered to remember a life ended far too soon.
