A federal search group discovered Wynter Cole-Smith’s body on Wednesday.
After being reported missing, a 2-year-old girl from Michigan was found dead on Wednesday.
Wynter Cole-Smith was discovered in Detroit by a federal search team at around 6:50 p.m., according to Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee.
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adjacent to the Coleman A. International Terminal at Young. Cole-Smith had not been seen since July 2 in the Lansing region.
According to Sosebee, “this investigation has changed from a case of a missing child to a homicide investigation. This result was unexpected by everyone, so it was unexpected. I swear that the police will make sure the family receives the justice they are due.
John J. Dewane, the Ingham County prosecutor, said, “Our hearts are with Wynter’s family as they begin to process and grieve the needless loss of a beautiful 2-year-old child. Our office supports the efforts of our law enforcement colleagues at the state and federal levels as this case transitions from a missing person investigation to a homicide investigation.
Wynter, 22, was allegedly kidnapped from her home on July 2 by 26-year-old Rashad Trice, according to reports from ClickOnDetroit, the Lansing State Journal, and the Detroit Free Press. Trice is also suspected of stabbing Wynter’s 22-year-old mother. Wynter was last seen sporting a white t-shirt with rainbow graphics.
Wynter, Trice, and the mother’s 2013 white Chevrolet Impala were all gone by the time the mother escaped to a neighbor’s house to dial 911. The mother’s 1-year-old son was still in the apartment when the police showed up, and he was unharmed, the media reported.
According to St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Trice was allegedly apprehended after fleeing on July 3 at 5 a.m. in the Detroit region. police in Clair Shores. Trice reportedly fled the scene after police arrived, collided with another patrol car, and then resisted being arrested. Wynter, however, was not with him. The following day, July 3, after Trice had allegedly departed the Lansing home, police released a map of his alleged travels.
The Ingham County prosecutor’s office said that Trice has been charged in connection with the assault on Wynter’s mother with assault with the intent to kill, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, aggravated domestic violence, and felonious assault.
A news release identified Trice as a violent habitual fourth offender.
The court date for Trice’s defense is July 13, and he is being held without bond. It is unknown if he has entered a plea or if a lawyer is speaking on his behalf.
