Missouri Man Charged After Dumping Woman’s Body in Neighbor’s Yard Following Fatal Shooting During Argument
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — A Missouri man is facing first-degree murder charges after police say he fatally shot a woman during an argument, then dumped her body in a neighbor’s backyard and falsely claimed he had never met her.
Body Found Partially Frozen in Backyard
Ephron Long, 54, was arrested Friday in connection with the death of Lindsey Smith, 40, whose body was discovered on Jan. 19 in the backyard of a home in St. Louis.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Smith was found partially frozen, with her head lying in a pool of blood. Investigators said her body showed signs of early decomposition, indicating she had been dead before being exposed to extreme winter temperatures.
Witness Heard Argument and Gunshot Days Earlier
Police said Long lived in a basement apartment next door to where Smith’s body was found. A witness told investigators they heard a man and woman arguing at that apartment several days before Smith was discovered — followed by the sound of a single gunshot.
That account became a key piece of evidence as detectives worked to identify the victim and reconstruct her final movements.
Text Messages Show Woman Felt Unsafe
After identifying Smith, investigators examined her phone and found she had been communicating directly with Long.
On Jan. 3, police said Smith and Long exchanged several text messages, including one in which Smith told him she no longer felt safe at his home. Long allegedly called Smith later that same day. Authorities said there was no further communication between the two after that point.
Blood Evidence Found at Suspect’s Apartment
Detectives later obtained a search warrant for Long’s apartment. Inside and around the unit, they discovered blood spatter outside the apartment entrance and additional blood on a railing near the steps leading to the door, according to court records.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred at or near Long’s residence before Smith’s body was moved to the neighboring yard.
Suspect Fled Police Before Arrest
Police began tracking Long and located him on Friday. When detectives attempted a traffic stop, Long allegedly fled, ran a red light, and tried to evade arrest.
Officers deployed spike strips, disabling his vehicle and allowing them to take him into custody without further incident.
Long Denied Knowing Victim, Then Changed Story
After being read his rights, Long told detectives he lived alone and confirmed that the phone number found on Smith’s phone belonged to him. However, he initially denied ever seeing Smith “in his life.”
Police said when confronted with evidence of their communications, Long changed his story, though details of his revised account were not disclosed.
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Long has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and resisting arrest. He is currently being held at the St. Louis City Justice Center without bond.
His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not released information about the nature of Long and Smith’s relationship beyond their communications. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for formal court proceedings.
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