Fifty-year-old Tyrone Samuel was charged with first-degree murder on Jan. 26 in Northumberland County, Virginia, for the death of 28-year-old Ahrea’l Smith.
Smith disappeared while locking up the Little Sue Store in Claraville on Jan. 12. Her car was found still running by her co-workers the next day. Before closing the store, Smith had texted her sister, Lydia Smith, about a man lurking outside who made her uncomfortable.
“She said that someone at the door made her feel uncomfortable,” she said. “She never really said a name, but she said that someone, you know, made her feel uncomfortable. But not that she was afraid. When she went to that trash like the last look on her face was her normal self. Her demeanor was calm. Somebody was waiting and they snatched her,” she surmised.
Surveillance footage recorded Smith taking out the trash. She was found dead on Jan. 18 in Healthsville. Samuel was arrested on Jan. 15 for her disappearance and later charged with first-degree murder.
The Northumberland County Sheriff’s Department released a statement on Facebook while searching for Smith requesting that the public suspend their search parties as they worked, the same day they found her body.
“***Important information *** Citizens may notice an increased police presence in the county today. Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with federal, state, and local agencies to conduct multiple searches for Ahrea’l Smith. We respectfully ask that all civilian search parties suspend their activities for the day. If you should come upon our officers working, please give us space to work. Thank you all for your cooperation.”
Smith was closing the store by herself when she disappeared.
According to the Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Smith may have known Samuel but noted they were not in a relationship. Samuel’s next court appearance will be on Feb. 1 for his arraignment.
