Minneapolis Woman Who Survived Shooting a Decade Ago Found Murdered Outside Church
A Minneapolis woman who survived a shooting a decade ago meets a tragic end outside a church, leaving the community in shock. 🌐 #News #MinneapolisMN #Minnesota #Crime
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a Minneapolis woman who had previously overcome a near-fatal shooting fell victim to a brutal murder outside a local church. This shocking incident has left the community reeling and raised questions about the safety of vulnerable individuals in the city.
A Life of Resilience Cut Short
Last week, Hennepin County prosecutors charged 38-year-old Byron Vinicio Vargas Bautista with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Felisha Smith, 57. Smith’s body was discovered on July 14 near the Spirit of the Lord Church in north Minneapolis, bearing signs of severe beating and partial undress.
Smith’s life had been marked by adversity long before this tragic event. A decade ago, she survived a shooting that left her with a traumatic brain injury, necessitating her residence in a long-term care facility. Her daughter shared that despite the challenges, Smith had persevered through her recovery.
Surveillance Footage Unravels the Mystery
The investigation into Smith’s murder relied heavily on surveillance footage from various sources. Metro Transit cameras captured both Smith and Bautista disembarking from a bus near Penn and Oliver Avenues North on the day of Smith’s disappearance.
Additional footage from nearby homes and buildings showed the pair walking towards the northeast corner of the church, where Smith’s body was later found.
Traffic cameras provided further evidence, seemingly showing Bautista carrying Smith for part of their journey. The footage also depicted Bautista making multiple solitary trips to and from the crime scene area before finally departing.
Suspect Apprehended and Questioned
Law enforcement’s breakthrough came when police in south Minneapolis spotted and apprehended Bautista, identifying him as the previously unknown individual seen with Smith.
During questioning, Bautista acknowledged his presence in numerous surveillance images presented by investigators. However, he claimed no acquaintance with Smith and professed no recollection of the events on July 13.
The medical examiner’s report revealed the brutal nature of the attack. Smith succumbed to blunt force injuries, with significant trauma to her face and upper body. The autopsy uncovered hemorrhaging around her brain, neck, and clavicle, as well as a fractured hyoid bone.
As we mourn the loss of Felisha Smith, we are reminded of the sanctity of every life created in God’s image. Her journey of resilience and survival serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
While her earthly struggles have ended, we take comfort in the belief that she now rests in the eternal peace of our Lord, where there is no more pain or suffering. May her memory inspire us to cherish and protect the vulnerable among us, as Christ calls us to do.
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