In late 2021, Tonita Lorice Nita Smith, a 39-year-old mother of six and Charlottesville resident, was reported missing on November 19 after last being seen five days earlier in Charlottesville. Concern for her welfare grew as searches continued.

On November 24, 2021, her body was discovered in a vacant lot in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Nearby investigators also found the remains of 54-year-old Allene Elizabeth Beth Redmon of Harrisonburg. Authorities say the deaths were linked and a single suspect was arrested in connection with both cases.

The medical examiner ruled Smith’s death a homicide caused by homicidal violence of undetermined etiology. The suspect has been charged with first-degree murder and related counts in both deaths. If anyone knew Tonita’s movements in the week before November 19 or has information about either victim, please come forward to investigators.