A 26-year-old robbery suspect has been charged with murder after police say he shot a woman who threatened to turn him in to police after she saw his picture on the news.
Sonya Smith, 55, was found dead inside the bedroom of her Smithsburg, Maryland, home Thursday. Her family told police they had not heard from her in two days.
Investigators believe Anthony Minnick got into an argument with Smith at her home Tuesday evening after she told Minnick she saw his picture featured in a news report about two armed robberies that had been committed that day. When she threatened to call police, Minnick allegedly shot Smith and stole several items from her home.
Maryland State Police say Minnick was taken into police custody in connection with the robberies the day before Smith's body was found. When police searched his vehicle, they found a loaded .22 caliber rifle, sound system components stolen from the Smith's home, and Smith's cellphone.
Police say Minnick was an acquaintance of Smith's boyfriend and frequently visited her home.
He has been charged with first degree murder, second degree murder, first degree assault and theft over $1,000.
