Montgomery County, PA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2009

 

 

 

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman and Norristown Police Chief Russell Bono announce today the tragic death of Donna Smith and her four-year-old daughter.  Investigators determined that both deaths were the result of an intentional drug overdose and therefore anticipate that the manner of death will be murder-suicide.

 

Investigators were called to 503 High Street in Norristown yesterday after a citizen reported concern for the well-being of the residents.  Upon entering the residence police found Smith and her daughter, obviously deceased.  Investigators found an empty bottle labeled Xanax and a suicide note near the deceased. 

 

Ms. Smith’s family told police that she had a long history of personal problems, most recently having been the victim of domestic abuse.

 

Investigators called members of the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office to the scene.  Deputy Coroner Vicki Firth’s preliminary physical examination of the Victims is consistent with the assessment that both died as a result of a lethal overdose of prescription medicine.  Authorities transported both decedents to the Montgomery County Morgue where Dr. Mihalkis will autopsy them on Friday, April, 17, 2009.

 

     Approved for Release:

 

     Risa Vetri Ferman