The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office identifies Laura Smith as a 37-year-old Gray Elementary School teacher who was found dead in a Richmond home

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) – The woman found dead during a welfare check at a Richmond home on Memorial Day was an elementary school teacher, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to FBCSO, the medical examiner’s office ruled the death of 37-year-old Laura Smith a homicide after officers conducted the investigation in the 6500 block of Snowbell Court. The call came in at 12:01 p.m. Monday.

The sheriff’s office did not release any further information, including how she died, who made the call and whether investigators identified a suspect.

However, the sheriff’s office confirmed to Eyewitness News that Smith taught at Gray Elementary in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District.

ABC13 obtained a message from LCISD to parents regarding Smith’s death, but before the sheriff’s office confirmed that the murder victim was a teacher.

The full message read:

“Dear Gray Elementary School Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic loss of one of our employees over the weekend. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident.

Laura Smith was a member of the Lamar CISD family for five years, working at Williams and then Gray Elementary Schools. She worked alongside you here at Gray Elementary as the Early Childhood Special Education aide. Laura’s four students attend school in our district, and three of them were our students this year at Gray Elementary. Her sudden and tragic passing leaves a void in our hearts and hallways that words cannot adequately express.

I understand you may have questions, but I do not have any further information at this time. Our school counselors and support staff are available to assist any staff member who may be struggling to process this news. As a school community, we will support one another and honor Laura’s memory. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends affected by her passing.”

The FBCSO urged anyone with information about the case to call the non-emergency number 281-341-4665 and select option 1. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

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