On July 18, 2010, a welfare check at an apartment on the 500 block of Emory Court in Salisbury, Maryland, led to the discovery of two bodies: 31-year-old Arlene Angela Byrd and 26-year-old Antonio Darrelle Smith. Both had been at a party the night before at Brew River and left together around 3 a.m. to go to Antonio’s apartment. Forensic analysis places the murders between about 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. that Sunday.

Investigators believe Arlene and Antonio were confronted on arrival and subjected to torture for nearly two hours before they were killed. The autopsy determined Arlene died of multiple stab wounds and Antonio of asphyxiation. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit led evidence collection and interviews. Police have said Antonio was likely the intended target and that residents in the complex may have been present and hold key information. Several persons of interest were identified but no arrests have been announced.

The double homicide went cold for a time, and in December 2020 authorities announced they were re-examining additional evidence seeking new leads. If anyone knew Arlene Twin Byrd or Antonio Butter Smith, or was in the Emory Court complex that early morning, please come forward with information.