On June 14, 2007, Teresa Smith, aged 38, was found shot to death in a rural area near Paulding, Ohio. Her body was discovered by a property owner on June 16, 2007, near 1488 Rd 87, a location characterized by tree cover and outbuildings, but no residential structures. Teresa, originally from Richmond, Indiana, was known to have had a troubled past involving drug use and associations with risky individuals.
It is believed that Teresa had been living in Brownsville, Indiana, before she met her tragic fate.
An autopsy revealed that Teresa had been shot three times—one bullet at the base of her neck and two through her back. The presence of soot around the wounds suggested that the shots were fired from very close range, perhaps even pressed against her body. When she was found, Teresa was only partially clothed, and the scene suggested a possible sexual assault. Evidence at the scene also indicated that a vehicle had been present, as tire tracks were found, likely left by a car spinning its wheels as it left the property. Despite multiple interviews conducted by investigators, no suspects have been formally charged in connection with the case.
Teresa Smith was known to be involved as a drug informant for the Wayne County drug task force in Indiana, which added another layer of complexity to the investigation. Reports suggest that she had been working undercover in various drug operations, leading to several arrests, which could potentially have made her a target. On the day of her disappearance, a witness reported seeing her leave with an unknown Black woman, and she was not seen alive again after that.
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office has continued to pursue leads, turning to Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation for assistance in reexamining the evidence. DNA collected at the scene, including samples from under her fingernails, did not match any of the known suspects, and the investigation remains unsolved. Authorities believe that the crime may have been personal, given the manner in which Teresa's body was left. As of recent updates, cold case units are still testing evidence and seeking new leads, hoping that advancements in forensic technology or new witness statements might finally help solve the case.
The authorities have been actively requesting public assistance in the hope that someone with relevant information may come forward, as any new leads might finally bring Teresa Smith’s killer to justice and provide closure to her family.
