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

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) — A woman found dead during a welfare check at a Richmond-area home on Memorial Day was an elementary school teacher, the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District confirmed.

The medical examiner's office ruled the death of Laura Smith, 37, a homicide after officers found her at her home in the 6500 block of Snowbell Court, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. The call came in Monday at 12:01 p.m.

The sheriff's office initially released no other information, including how she died and whether investigators have identified a suspect.

On Thursday evening, the agency said Smith suffered “traumatic injuries resulting in his death” and added: “While we believe this to be an isolated incident, we have not identified a suspect For now.”

Smith worked at Gray Elementary in LCISD.

The district sent a message to parents Tuesday about Smith's death, before the sheriff's office confirmed it was a homicide.

The message in its entirety was as follows:

“Dear Gray Elementary School Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I address the tragic loss of one of our colleagues over the weekend. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident.

Laura Smith was a member of the Lamar CISD family for five years, serving at Williams and then Gray Elementary. She served alongside you here in Gray as an Early Childhood Aide. Laura has four students who attend school in our district, and three of them were ours this year at Gray. His sudden and tragic death leaves a void in our hearts and in our hallways that words cannot adequately express.

I understand that you may have questions, but I do not have any additional information at this time. Our school counselors and support staff are available to help any staff member who may be struggling to process this news. As a school community, we will support each other and honor Laura’s memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends affected by his passing. »

On Thursday evening, neighbors said they feared a killer was on the loose.

“We don’t know what happened and we haven’t heard anything,” said Nellie Garcia, who lives across the street. “It’s just heartbreaking.”

Garcia said that Smith, her law enforcement husband, who state records show most recently worked for the Harris County Constable's Office, and their four daughters were active in the events of the neighborhood.

FBCSO said family members requested the welfare check but would not say who last saw the victim and when due to the ongoing investigation.

“I just hope they can find out who did this and that justice is served,” Garcia added.

The FBCSO urged anyone with information about the case to contact its non-emergency line at 281-341-4665 and choose option one. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

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