In an unsettling development in North Carolina, a 19-year-old freshman from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) studying elementary education was found dead.

The body of Amarriah Smith was found in the trunk of a car by an employee of a tow truck company. The vehicle, belonging to 29-year-old Jordan Isaiah Thomas, had been towed from the Tyco Crushing parking lot in Washington, North Carolina, which is roughly 100 miles east of Raleigh.

Law enforcement authorities suspect that Smith was murdered elsewhere, and evidence connecting to the crime was found at the residence of Thomas. It’s alleged that Thomas drove the car to the parking lot and then stole a nearby parked truck. He was later discovered at a local hospital and apprehended.

Thomas now faces several charges, including larceny of a motor vehicle, murder, and concealment of a person’s death. He was officially charged with Smith’s murder on Monday, January 22, 2024, following the discovery of the body on January 17.

Smith, affectionately known as “Mari” to her friends and family, had the ambition of becoming an elementary school teacher, a dream that was tragically cut short.

Further investigation is needed to clarify the precise circumstances of Smith’s death, including the cause and her relationship with Thomas. It has been verified that the two were familiar with each other.

A few days prior to her death, Smith shared a reflective post on Facebook, hinting at pondering her life decisions.

The ECSU community, deeply affected by this tragedy, expressed its profound grief. ECSU Chancellor Dr. Karrie Dixon released a statement acknowledging the significant impact of Smith’s premature death on the university and extended condolences to her family and friends. The university community is united in mourning the loss of one of their own.

Thomas is currently being held at the Chowan County Detention Center without bail.