STATESVILLE, NC – Police have ruled the death of an area woman accidental. Shelbie Smith, 33, was found dead in her home on June 1, 2024. Statesville Police and the SBI investigated and collected several items from the home for testing. On Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, the department announced that a pathologist ruled Smith’s death accidental.

On the morning of June 1, officers responded to a report of a missing 4-year-old child from 521 Hickory Avenue. A concerned citizen found the child on nearby Wilson Lee Boulevard, and when he brought him home, the citizen found Smith anxious in the house.

Statesville police say out of respect for the privacy of Ms. Smith’s family, they will not release further details about the case. They say: “We extend our deepest sympathies to Ms Smith’s family and loved ones at this difficult time and kindly ask the community to respect their privacy.”