The girl, Wynter Cole Smith, had gone missing following a suspected kidnapping, which took place after her mother was allegedly stabbed and assaulted by her ex-boyfriend.
The search for a missing 2-year-old girl at Detroit airport has tragically come to an end after law enforcement officials discovered her lifeless body
Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee announced during a news briefing on Wednesday evening that Wynter’s body had been found in Detroit airport near the Coleman A. Young International Airport. The discovery was made by a search team comprising federal officials in Detroit airport at around 6:50 p.m. According to reports from WDIV-TV, the girl was found in an alley near Detroit airport. As a result, the investigation has now shifted from a missing child case to a homicide investigation.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski expressed disappointment with the outcome, stating, “This was not the outcome we wanted.” The search for Wynter began on July 2 when the suspect, Rashad Trice, allegedly went to her home, stabbed her mother, and then kidnapped Wynter before stealing the victim’s vehicle. Trice was later located in St. Clair Shores, approximately 90 miles from Lansing, following a car crash.
Wynter was not found with him
Trice has been charged with multiple offenses, including assault with intent to murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, domestic violence, auto theft, and felonious assault. In light of Wynter’s tragic death, Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane expressed support for the law enforcement efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Wynter’s grieving family released a statement expressing their heartbreak over the loss of their beloved daughter that has been found near Detroit airport. They urged Governor Gretchen Whitmer to consider enacting legislation that would ensure violent offenders remain incarcerated, emphasizing the threat they pose to society.
The investigation into Wynter’s death is still ongoing as authorities work diligently to uncover the full details surrounding this heartbreaking tragedy in Detroit airport.