UPDATE at 12:04pm: Katie Lee Smith has been located and is in custody.

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Original Article: Foley, Ala. – (OBA) –  On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, the Foley Police Department responded to the Town and Country Motel located at 1401 North McKenzie Street in Foley, Alabama regarding a death investigation.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased female and determined that the circumstances surrounding her death was suspicious. Because there was no clear suspect at that time, the Foley Police Department requested assistance from the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit.

Members of the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit responded and immediately began developing leads and following up on the initial information gathered by the Foley Police Department.

The scene was processed by the crime scene unit, and the victim was determined to have several stab wounds. An autopsy has been scheduled and her exact cause of death will be determined after the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences conducts their independent inquiry.

The investigation to date indicates that Shirley Smith (69) lived with her daughter in a unit at the Town and Country Motel. The victim’s daughter, Katie Lee Smith (36), was observed at their rental unit yesterday, but left the scene prior to officers arriving. Witnesses also observed Kaite Smith at the rental unit and with the victim in the days leading up to her death.

Katie Smith is described as a white female, 5’01” tall, and she weighs approximately 120 lbs. She left the location walking and was last seen wearing a grey tank top. Officers have canvassed the area for several hours; however, they have been unable to locate Katie Smith.

Katie Smith has information that is vital to this investigation, and she is wanted for questioning in this matter.

The Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Katie Lee Smith. If anyone has any information about her, please contact the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit at 251-937-0202 or call the Foley Police Department at 251-943-4431.