On April 24, 2026, at approximately 5:27 p.m., officers with the Clinton Police Department responded to a Clinton address for the request of a welfare check. A subsequent investigation led to the entry of a missing/endangered persons alert for 34-year-old Cassandra N. Smith of Clinton.
On the morning of Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Clinton Police Department requested assistance from the Illinois State Police Zone 5 Investigations. Search warrants were executed on multiple properties and vehicles as part of the ongoing investigation.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., a vehicle of interest to the investigation was located near Sunrise Ct, Clinton, and the execution of a search warrant ultimately led to the discovery of a deceased female, who’s identity was later confirmed as that of Cassandra Smith.
The victim’s husband, Nicholas L. Smith, 35, of Clinton, was taken into custody on charges of Obstructing Justice, Resisting a Peace Officer, and Concealment of a Death. Smith was transported to the DeWitt County Jail, where he is currently being held. Preliminary postmortem findings indicate Smith died of multiple blunt injuries. Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
The Clinton Police Department was assisted by the Illinois State Police Zone 5 Investigations, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office, DeWitt County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the DeWitt County Coroner. While the Clinton Police Department continues to provide assistance with the ongoing investigation, the Illinois State Police has assumed the lead role in this matter.
Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers said, “We are grateful for the support of our law enforcement partners and remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter. This tragic loss of life is a stark reminder that domestic violence is not a private matter, it is a serious and urgent public safety issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out, help is available.”
This remains an active investigation. Future inquiries should be directed to the Illinois State Police. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
