Teresa Smith, 38, was found shot to death in a rural area near Paulding, Ohio. The body was discovered June 16, 2007, near 1488 Rd 87 amid trees and outbuildings; no residences stood at the location. An autopsy found three gunshot wounds — one at the base of the neck and two through the back — with soot around the wounds consistent with shots fired at very close range. When located she was only partially clothed and the scene suggested a possible sexual assault. Tire tracks at the scene indicated a vehicle had been present and may have spun its wheels leaving the property.

Teresa was originally from Richmond, Indiana, and believed to have been living in Brownsville, Indiana. She had a history of drug use and had worked as an informant for the Wayne County drug task force; reports say she participated in undercover operations that led to several arrests. A witness said she was seen leaving with an unknown Black woman the day she disappeared and was never seen alive again. DNA taken from the scene, including under her fingernails, did not match known suspects. Investigators continue to reexamine evidence and are asking anyone with information to come forward.