Tonya Marie Woody, 43, was fatally shot in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on May 20, 2022. Described by family as fun-loving and caring with a big smile, she grew up in Covert, Michigan, and enjoyed family time, grilling and country nights with her brother. She was a mother of seven.

After the shooting an Amber Alert was issued for her one-year-old son, Armanii. Police identified the child’s father, 32-year-old Eric Smith of Kalamazoo, as the suspect in Tonya’s death and the alleged abductor. Smith later turned himself in to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety; Armanii was found safe at a relative’s home and Smith was arrested.

Smith was arraigned on open murder, carrying concealed weapons and felony firearms counts and later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. At sentencing, Tonya’s daughter Diamond Ivy delivered a victim impact statement about the family’s ongoing pain and loss. If anyone knew Tonya or has information about her life or last movements, please share what you remember.