Crime

Wake man charged with murder after girlfriend’s death, sheriff says

This is a breaking news story.
This is a breaking news story. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A man has been charged with his girlfriend’s murder after she was found unresponsive in a tent off Fayetteville Road, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday night.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that Joe Anthony Jr., 57, has been charged with murder and assault inflicting serious bodily injury in connection with the death of Dorothy Smith, 50, according to a news release.

On Tuesday night, deputies responded to a report of a woman’s overdose in the woods in the 7100 block of Fayetteville Road. There, they found Smith, who was unresponsive, and attempted life-saving measures. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anthony was arrested Tuesday and charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury.

Authorities said that the charges were upgraded Wednesday to murder “after further investigation and consultation with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office.”

The Sheriff’s Office did not provide additional details.

He is being held without bail at the Wake County Detention Center.

Fayetteville Road runs south of Raleigh. The location where Smith was found is southwest of Garner.

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This story was originally published April 3, 2024 at 10:04 PM.

Jessica Banov
The News & Observer
Jessica Banov is an editor and audience growth specialist at The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. She is the night Breaking News Editor for McClatchy’s Southeast region and The N&O’s Features Editor. She also serves as The News & Observer’s intern program coordinator.
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