In the small city of Clarendon, Arkansas, a devastating discovery was made on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Lilee Smith, a 26-year-old female, was found deceased in her residence on Guydon Street by a concerned family member around 12:45 PM. The Clarendon Police Department was the first to respond to the scene and, upon assessing the situation, requested the assistance of the Arkansas State Police to lead the investigation into what was being treated as an apparent homicide.
Investigators
believe that Smith was shot sometime on the night of Friday, May 6, 2022. Her body was subsequently transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy to determine a more precise time and the official cause of death. The investigation into her death quickly progressed, leading to a significant development in the case.
Just two days after the discovery of Lilee Smith's body, a suspect voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement. On Monday, May 9, 2022, 20-year-old Christian Franks of Clarendon turned himself in to a special agent with the Arkansas State Police. Following his surrender, Franks was charged with capital murder in connection with Smith's death.
