California woman arrested in Mexico 7 years after allegedly killing her husband

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (TCD) -- A 40-year-old woman was located and taken into custody seven years after she allegedly shot and killed her husband, then fled to Mexico with their kids.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced Leticia Smith’s arrest in a statement March 21. According to the statement, investigators had evidence that Smith and her children went to Rosarita, Mexico, following the shooting death of her husband, Antoine Smith. Leticia was arrested March 4 and handed over to the U.S. Marshals Service, who then transferred her to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Antoine Smith was found dead May 12, 2015, at his Victorville home on the 13000 block of Brynwood Street, where he lived with Leticia and their two daughters. Several people reportedly contacted the Sheriff’s Department May 10 because they had not seen or heard from Antoine in days. Additionally, friends and co-workers "became increasingly concerned after they received text messages from Antoine’s cellphone number, which were not consistent with Antoine’s messaging style."

A missing person report for Antoine was filed on May 11.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, he was found dead inside one of the bedrooms in their home. He reportedly died from "multiple gunshot wounds."

Leticia Smith is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $2 million bail.

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