Heather Nicole Smith's Mother Speaks Out

No parent ever expects to outlive their child, but Sandy Smith is moving forward as details surrounding her daughter's death unfold.

44-year old Michael Eugene Overbee of 8099 Flaming Star Drive was charged on Monday with second degree murder in the death of 30-year old Heather Nicole Smith.

The Linden mother of four was found dead Sunday, May 27, in the Cape Fear River. Smith's boyfriend, Michael Overbee, filed a missing person report about 7:30 p.m. that night, after local media broke the news, according to an ABC channel 11 news report.

Sandy Smith, Heather's mother, reached out to Fort Bragg Patch to make her story known to a community that supported and loved her daughter.

Upon finding out about Heather's death, Sandy was perturbed that she was not officially notified by the Fayetteville police - being Heather's next of kin, as she was not married.

Instead, Sandy said that on May 28, her daughter's birthday, she received a call from Overbee informing her of her daughter's death.

Though Sandy harbors bitterness and rage over how the case was handled from the start, she is moving forward. Sandy stated that she regrets not even getting to see Heather, as a whole person, one last time.

"My daughter was given back to me, wrapped in five bags because she was so decomposed," Sandy tearfully said. "Nobody in his family even donated a flower upon Heather's death."

Even after Heather's death, Sandy wanted to believe that Overbee was not involved, and she went forward to support him in court for his fight for his children. Sandy said she had doubts then and became increasingly confused at what she called his lack of compassion.

Heather's grandfather wrote the Fort Bragg Patch and has closely followed the case since the death was first announced.

“I want to express my gratitude to the local police for their efforts in finding the killer of my granddaughter. Her life was taken in a most cowardly manner. Our family now has the closure that we all needed in order to move on with our lives," said Carl Anderson, Heather's grandfather. "I  also want to thank the Fort Bragg Patch for not forgetting about Heather’s death over the past few months. Rest in Peace, Heather…..We love you”

While Sandy lives in Florida, she has been back and forth to Fayetteville to see her grandchildren.

"I have faith that my God will keep revealing the light through this darkness and the truth will be brought forward," said Sandy. "The only thing I have to say to him (Michael) is to read Psalms 37."

Psalms 37 consists of 40 verses talking in depth about what happens to the wicked and their schemes.

Sandy ended the interview weeping, but stating that she will continue to pray for God's grace to show forgiveness in order to be a light for Heather's four children.

"I can only take comfort at this difficult time knowing that someday I will be reunited with my Heather in heaven," said Sandy.