Death of Lauren Smith-Fields
Lauren Smith-Fields (January 23, 1998 — December 12, 2021)[1] was a Black woman living in Bridgeport, Connecticut. On the morning of Sunday, December 12, 2021, she was allegedly found unresponsive in bed by her Bumble date, Matthew LaFountain.
Background[edit]
Smith-Fields was aged 23 and on a date with a Bumble date, Matthew LaFountain, at the time of her death. He found her unresponsive at around 6 a.m. Immediately calling 9-1-1, he started chest compressions as advised by the operator. These efforts would prove to be unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead at the scene. First responders noted that her date seemed "shaken up" and in a state of shock.[2] Although there is skepticism surrounding her death, her death was ultimately ruled an accidental overdose caused by Fentanyl and alcohol mixing.[3][4]
Controversy[edit]
Many people, including Smith-Fields' family, believe that the police department in charge of handling the case did not do enough or conduct a proper investigation.[2][5] Some believe her date may be responsible for her death but he was cleared upon questioning, still Smith-Fields' family feels the police department did not explore her date as a suspect far enough. Some say this incident did not receive as much attention or care as it would have if Smith-Fields were a white woman, calling this situation another example of institutionalized racism and a lack of care for black lives,[6] especially after the Smith-Field's family was told to stop contacting police for updates. [7]
Aftermath[edit]
Smith-Fields' family organized a protest outside of Morton Government Center and the detectives in charge of her case were put on leave and/or resigned. The detectives were reinstated upon appeal of the suspensions. The case is still open and has been reassigned to other officers.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ Treisman, Rachel (2022-01-27). "Conn. police probe death of Lauren Smith-Fields, found dead after a date in December". NPR. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ a b "Lauren Smith-Fields' family calls for justice, cause of death released". ABC News. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ Fadulu, Lola (2022-01-27). "Lauren Smith-Fields Was Found Dead. Her Family Had to Beg for Answers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-07-16.
- ^ Montgomery, Blake (2022-01-28). "Bumble Date Is Cooperating With Death Investigation: Lawyer". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2022-07-16.
- ^ "Suspension of Bridgeport cop in Lauren Smith-Fields' case reversed". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2022-07-16.
- ^ a b "Detectives involved in death case of Lauren Smith-Fields suspended: Mayor". ABC News. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ "Two women died on the same day in Bridgeport, and their families are still waiting for answers". CT Insider. Retrieved 2023-08-09.