Wynter Smith’s Body Found in Alley – She ‘Didn’t Deserve This,’ Says Heartbroken Family

| February 7, 2024 | News | No Comments
  • The case of missing two-year-old Wynter Cole Smith has reached a tragic and devastating conclusion: she was found dead in an alley.
  • The baby girl’s family is heartbroken and has recently spoken out about the tragedy, saying the little girl “didn’t deserve this” horrible fate.

In the early hours of Monday morning, a two-year-old girl named Wynter Cole Smith was reported missing in Lansing after her mother was sexually assaulted and physically attacked with a weapon by her ex-boyfriend, Rashad Trice.

Later in the day, Trice was found by police driving what was presumed to be a stolen car and was arrested in St. Clair Shores in Michigan. However, the assailant, believed to have kidnapped Wynter, did not have the toddler with him in the car. This prompted an avid search for the little girl, with a $25,000 reward for anyone with information on her possible whereabouts.

Wynter Cole Smith’s Family Speaks Out on the Devastating Outcome of the Search Efforts

Despite increased and high-level search efforts, almost three days after an Amber Alert was initiated, police found Wynter’s body in an alley in Detroit around 6:50 p.m. Soon after the horrible news was announced, the child’s family released an official statement:

“We are heartbroken over the loss of our beautiful daughter, granddaughter, cousin, niece, and big sister, Wynter Cole Smith. Wynter’s brief but bright life was taken from her unnecessarily, and we will grieve her death forever. We wish to thank the FBI, all law enforcement, all the volunteers, and the Dock Ellis Foundation for their assistance, compassion, and professionalism.”

A screenshot of a Fox 2 Detroit correspondent showing Wynter Cole Smith's memorial site in her community, posted on July 6, 2023. | Source: YouTube.com/Fox 2 Detroit

A screenshot of a Fox 2 Detroit correspondent showing Wynter Cole Smith’s memorial site in her community, posted on July 6, 2023. | Source: YouTube.com/Fox 2 Detroit

The statement continues to reveal that the family has also made efforts to try and ensure measures are put in place to help prevent similar tragedies like this one from taking place. They asked Governor Whitmer and the state legislature to consider putting legislation in place to ensure that multiple-time violent assailants are kept in prison to maintain the safety and security of vulnerable communities.

The family revealed its plans to host a vigil to honor Wynter’s memory, which will take place today, Friday, July 7, at 6 p.m. They have extended an invitation to the public to join them in praying for Wynter.

Though Trice has yet to be charged in connection with the death of Wynter, more charges are expected to ensue.