On April 10, 1997, 50-year-old Judy Smith, a beloved nurse and mother, set off on her first trip to Philadelphia, planning to explore historic sites while her husband attended a conference. But when Judy didn’t return to their hotel that evening, her husband grew worried and reported her missing. Months passed without a word from Judy.

Then, in September, hunters stumbled upon her remains over 600 miles away in a remote part of North Carolina. Judy had been murdered, her body wrapped in a blanket and left in a shallow grave. 

It’s been over 27 years since Judy was murdered, and investigators are still searching for the person responsible...

Judy Smith left her Philadelphia hotel on April 10, 1997 and never returned. Months later, on September 7, hunters in the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina, discovered Judy’s remains partially buried in a shallow grave. Her body was over 600 miles from where she was last seen, dressed in clothing her family did not recognize. 

If you have any information about the murder of Judy, please contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department at 828-250-6670.

Editor: Shannon Keirce
Research/Writing: Haley Gray and Anna Luria

SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected]

SOCIAL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective

FIND DERRICK HERE
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur

CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE
Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com
Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop

ADS:

1. FactorMeals.com/Detective50 - Use code DETECTIVE50 for 50% off!

2. TryMiracle.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE for 3 FREE towels and to save over 40%!