The Statesville mother’s death is no longer classified as a murder, but rather an accident

STATESVILLE, NC (WBTV) – A Statesville mom who was found dead and her 4-year-old child, who was on the street June 1, died accidentally, officials announced Nov. 8.

Shelbie Lynn Smith was 33 years old.

Her death was initially ruled a homicide, but after a months-long investigation, the pathologist ruled her death an accident.

[PREVIOUS REPORTING: Shelbie Smith’s mother pleads for help finding her daughter’s killer]

“We extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Smith’s family and loved ones during this challenging time and kindly ask the community to respect her privacy,” a police department representative wrote in a news release.

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