FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — A Richmond teacher was found dead at her home Monday and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office said her death is being investigated as a homicide.
Laura Smith, 37, was found dead at her home on Snowbell Court, which is in a neighborhood just southeast of the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds off Highway 36.
The discovery was made around noon when family members called for a welfare check. Smith was a teacher at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District's Gray Elementary School for the 2023-2024 school year.
When deputies got to her home, they went inside and found Smith dead. They said she "sustained traumatic injuries" that resulted in her death. They said they thought it was an isolated incident, but hadn't identified a suspect.
"We encourage the community to come forward with any relevant information that may aid detectives in solving this case," Sheriff Eric Fagan said. "We will continue to work tirelessly to bring the person(s) responsible for this violent crime to justice."
Anyone with information about Smith's death is asked to call the FBCSO non-emergency number at 281-341-4665 and select option 1. Those with information who wish to remain anonymous can call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).