BOONE, N.C. — Police have released preliminary autopsy information in reference to the death of Appalachian State student Anna Smith.
Investigators say there were no injuries to her head, neck, chest or pelvic region. They did say there were indications of asphyxia.
Officials also believe the date of death is consistent with the amount of time Smith was missing. Investigators are now waiting on toxicology reports to be processed. This usually takes six to eight weeks.
Boone Police released this statement: “We want to reassure the Smith family and the community that we have not completed this investigation, in fact, we are just beginning. We know that this information gives the appearance that this was not a homicide, but we must do everything within our power to make sure. We will continue to work toward the goal of answering as many questions about Anna’s death as possible. We are grateful for the full cooperation of our law enforcement partners to include: the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, The ASU Police Department, and the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office.”
