The body of missing 2-year-old Wynter Smith was found on Detroit's east side on Wednesday night, July 6, 2023. The discovery came after an Amber Alert was issued for Smith on Sunday, July 3, after she was abducted from her home in Lansing, Michigan.
The body was found near Knodell and Erwin streets, east of Van Dyke and north of Harper. The cause of death has not been released, but police said they are investigating the case as a homicide.
Smith was last seen with her father, Wynton Smith, on Sunday night. Wynton Smith was arrested on Tuesday and charged with kidnapping and child abuse. He is being held in the Ingham County Jail without bond.
The discovery of Smith's body is a tragic end to a three-day search that involved law enforcement agencies from across Michigan. The Amber Alert had been shared millions of times on social media, and there was a massive outpouring of support for Smith's family.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of Wynter," said Lansing Police Chief Daryl Green. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time."
The investigation into Smith's death is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lansing Police Department at 517-483-4600.
The Impact of Wynter Smith's Death
The death of Wynter Smith has had a profound impact on the Lansing community and beyond. She was a beloved child, and her loss has left many people feeling heartbroken and angry.
The Amber Alert for Smith's disappearance brought attention to the issue of child abduction, and it sparked a conversation about how to keep children safe. Many people are calling for stricter laws and harsher penalties for those who abduct children.
The death of Wynter Smith is a reminder of the importance of family and community. It is also a reminder that child abduction is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences.
How to Help
If you are interested in helping the family of Wynter Smith, there are a few things you can do. You can donate to the GoFundMe page that has been set up to help with funeral expenses. You can also send your thoughts and prayers to the family.
In addition, you can help raise awareness about the issue of child abduction. You can share the Amber Alert for Wynter Smith on social media, and you can contact your elected officials to ask for stricter laws and harsher penalties for those who abduct children.
The death of Wynter Smith is a tragedy, but it is also an opportunity to make a difference. By working together, we can help to keep children safe and prevent other families from experiencing the same pain.
