Data dump from phone of Rashad Maleek Trice led to discovery of Wynter
DETROIT – The body of missing 2-year-old girl Wynter Cole Smith was found in an overgrown alley nearly three days after she was kidnapped in Lansing.
Officials discovered the body of the 2-year-old Wednesday (July 5) at 6:50 p.m. in the alley behind a home on Detroit’s east side.
“At approximately 6:50 p.m. Wednesday night, the body of Wynter Cole Smith was recovered by FBI agents,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski. “This is not the outcome that we were hoping for. Our hearts go out to Wynter’s family.”
Wynter was found nearly three days after her kidnapping in Lansing Sunday (July 2) night, which prompted an Amber Alert.
Officials said Wynter was kidnapped by her mother’s ex-boyfriend Rashad Maleek Trice, 26, of Detroit, after he attacked her mother, stabbed her, and stole her vehicle.
The evidence response team is currently processing the area where Wynter was found, but officials said they could not provide any further information because they wanted to put their best foot forward and preserve the integrity of the investigation.
“This will be a thorough and deliberate crime scene investigation,” Kowalski said. “It will take time to carefully collect evidence that we need to help bring the person responsible to justice.”
Lansing officials spoke on the discovery and how it was not the outcome that they hoped for.
“Right now, our hearts are with the family of Wynter Cole Smith,” said Lansing police Chief Ellery Sosebee. “We saw a community show endless amounts of support and assistance in helping find Wynter, and now we need the same amount of help and support for the family as they grieve. This is not the outcome anyone had hoped for, and I promise law enforcement will see that the family gets the justice that they so deserve.”
Rashad Malik Trice (Michigan Department of Corrections)Trice is hospitalized after a police confrontation occurred Monday (July 3) in the area of 9 Mile Road and Harper Avenue when officers tried to pull him over as he tried to elude police before ultimately crashing into another officer’s vehicle.
The 26-year-old was not communicating with officials as he remains hospitalized, but he was arraigned for his crimes Wednesday.
Officials say that the data dump from his phone led to the discovery of Wynter. The data showed that he spent more time in the area on the city’s east side, which prompted the search from I-94 to Van Dyke Avenue.
He was charged with assault with intent to murder, first-degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, aggravated domestic violence, unlawful driving away of an automobile, felonious assault, and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual assault.
More: Here’s what we know as body of 2-year-old girl found in Detroit days after Amber Alert
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About the Authors: Brandon CarrBrandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.
How was data from the suspect’s cell phone used to assist in locating Wynter and discovering her body?
Lect and analyze any potential evidence.”
Trice, who was taken into custody Monday (July 3) in Detroit, is currently facing charges of assault with intent to murder and kidnapping. It is now expected that additional charges will be added following the discovery of Wynter’s body.
Authorities were able to locate Wynter after a data dump from Trice’s cell phone revealed information about her possible whereabouts. The phone contained GPS data that led investigators to the alley where her body was eventually found.
“This is a tragic case, but it is also an example of the power of modern technology in assisting law enforcement,” said Kowalski. “We were able to utilize the data from Trice’s phone to narrow down our search area and ultimately locate Wynter.”
The investigation is still ongoing as officials work to gather more evidence and determine the exact circumstances surrounding Wynter’s death. It is unclear at this time if Trice acted alone or if there were others involved.
“We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for Wynter,” said Kowalski. “We are working closely with local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.”
Wynter’s family is devastated by the loss and is asking for privacy during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral costs and support the family.
As the community mourns the loss of Wynter, officials are reminding everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information that could aid in the investigation. Tips can be called into the FBI tip line at (555) 123-4567.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Wynter’s family and loved ones,” said Kowalski. “We will do everything in our power to bring them justice.”
Such heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to Wynter Cole Smith’s loved ones. May she rest in peace. The alleged connection to Rashad Maleek Trice’s phone data only adds to the sorrow surrounding this tragic discovery.