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Summary: Lindsey Marie Smith, 40, was fatally shot in the head and found partially frozen in a St. Louis, Missouri, backyard on January 19, 2026. Ephron Long, 54, her neighbor, faces first-degree murder charges after evidence showed a January 3 argument at his home, followed by a gunshot witnesses heard. He fled police but was arrested January 23. Long is held without bond.
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Authorities have charged a local man with murder after a woman's body was discovered partially frozen in a north St. Louis yard, revealing a fatal gunshot wound and signs of a preceding altercation.
Police arrived at the 3800 block of Cook Avenue shortly after noon on Jan. 19 following a call about an unresponsive individual. There, they located the remains of Lindsey Marie Smith, 40, from nearby Richmond Heights, in the outdoor space behind a residence. Responders confirmed her death immediately, observing that cold weather had preserved the body in a partial freeze while early decomposition had set in, investigators noted.
An autopsy performed the next day by the medical examiner's office determined Smith had been killed by a single bullet to the head, officially deeming the case a homicide. Detectives reviewed her communication history, which showed her last known activity on Jan. 3. In messages to Ephron Long, 54, who rented a basement apartment next door, Smith indicated discomfort and a desire to leave her home safely, according to charging documents.
A resident in the vicinity recalled hearing raised voices—a man and a woman—in an apparent disagreement emanating from Long's address in the days leading up to the discovery. The exchange ended abruptly with what sounded like a gunshot, the witness told authorities. This matched evidence gathered during a property search, where traces of blood were found on an outside wall and steps connecting to Long's unit.
Investigators monitored Long and attempted to take him into custody on Jan. 23 as he left in a vehicle. He sped off, disregarding commands and running a traffic light, police reported. Officers halted the chase using spike strips, arresting him without additional resistance.
In initial interviews, Long claimed he lived alone and had no knowledge of Smith. When presented with phone evidence contradicting this, he admitted to the interaction but insisted he played no role in her death, detectives said.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office brought charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and resisting arrest against Long, who is being held without bond at the city justice center. No court appearance has been scheduled yet.
Residents in the area voiced shock and grief over the incident, with some highlighting vulnerabilities during harsh winter conditions that might delay such discoveries. Social media posts from locals reflected sorrow, with comments lamenting the tragedy and noting Smith's youthful appearance despite her age.
Smith, a St. Louis native born June 8, 1985, is survived by her daughter, Breanna Howard, son, Trentin Howard, mother Carolyn Heifner and several siblings. Relatives and acquaintances described her as a committed mother facing everyday struggles.
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