Photo: Gem County Sheriff’s Office
Tristan Conner Sexton, 16, vanished in September 2020. Taylor Summers, 14, disappeared the following month. The two teens lived in the same house as 8-year-old Taryn Summers, who was later found slain.
When police arrived at Smith’s home, they discovered that part of the carpet in the girl’s bedroom was missing. Smith allegedly told them she had removed and burned the rug because the girl had defecated on it.
After a search of the surrounding area, forensic crews returned to the home on April 14. They allegedly found a spot of blood on Taryn’s wall.
According to court documents, authorities then discovered Taryn’s body in a black plastic garbage bag on the floor of the back seat of a black Lexus. Investigators said that the little girl was covered with vomit.
Smith was arrested andinitially chargedwith first-degree murder, but is now instead charged with felony failure to notify a death and felony destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence. Police say that more charges are forthcoming after an autopsy on Taryn is completed.
Gofundme; Ada County Sheriff’s Office
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Taryn’s disappearance reignited scrutiny over the disappearances of both Tristan and Taylor. At the time, family members claimed they had been in contact with the teens, but authorities had not yet spoken with them.
Smith is being held on $800,000 bond. She has waived her right to a speedy preliminary hearing, and will appear in court again on May 25.
She has not yet entered a plea, and her attorney did not immediately return PEOPLE’s call for comment.
source: people.com
