Smith’s mother reported her missing after her boss wondered why she hadn’t come to work. The police investigation was slow, and a month later, Smith’s parents learned Taylor was selling her belongings. They found a bloodstained mattress belonging to Smith in Taylor’s house and gave it to the police. Unfortunately, the technology at the time limited the testing they could do on it, and the mattress was later thrown away.

Taylor’s story about Smith’s disappearance didn’t match other accounts, making him a suspect. He said Smith left with a stranger for Daytona Beach, but Smith’s boss saw her get into Taylor’s car after work. Taylor died in 2007 without ever being charged.

Smith’s family believes she wouldn’t have left her son and belongings behind. Police suspect foul play was involved. Her son was raised by his father, and her parents are still hoping for answers. The case remains unsolved. Interestingly, Smith’s nephew also disappeared a few years earlier, but police don’t think the cases are connected.