Man Accused Of Killing Auburndale Girlfriend Captured In Marion

POLK COUNTY, FL — Larry Smith, 57, who is accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend of more than 20 years over the weekend was taken into custody by the Marion County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Original Patch Story:

A Polk County man is wanted by authorities after deputies accused him of killing his girlfriend some time between Sunday and Monday, according to a news release.

The victim, 40-year-old Tashia Smith, was found dead in her Auburndale home just after 9 a.m., Monday, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said. Tashia Smith was in a relationship with Larry Smith, 57, for more than 20 years. Larry is accused of shooting her multiple times.

"There was a history of domestic violence perpetrated by Tashia Smith's boyfriend against her," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Larry Smith is a dangerous man, and we need to lock him up."

Tashia's sister reported her missing to the Lakeland Police Department early Monday morning, investigators said. Sunday at about 9:36 a.m. is the last time she was seen alive by her sister. She was scheduled to work at Wing Stop in Lakeland at 5 p.m., but never showed up, detectives said. Larry is wanted on first degree murder charges.

If anyone has any information about Larry Smith's whereabouts, call Detective Coggins at 863-298-6200. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).