A California woman who died earlier this year was poisoned by her husband, according to authorities, who have now arrested the man for her murder and other crimes.
This week, police took 48-year-old Glennis Smith into custody in connection with the death of his wife, 49-year-old Jennifer Smith-Floyd.
The arrest comes months after Glennis called 911 on January 12 and told a dispatcher that his wife was “unconscious and not breathing,” according to a press release from the Elk Grove Police Department.
Medics responded and tried to revive Jennifer, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, KCRA-TV reports.
Authorities investigated the woman’s death and believe they know what caused it: fentanyl poisoning – at the hands of her husband.
Authorities say Glennis poisoned his wife’s food at least twice with the powerful opioid painkiller. A motive has not been disclosed, but at the time of the woman’s death, the couple had been living apart, Fox News reports.
Police also allege that Glennis tried to burn the couple’s travel trailer several months after his wife’s death.
Glennis is now facing charges of murder, arson and insurance fraud, and is being held without bail in the Sacramento County Main Jail.
Court records show this is not the first time Glennis has allegedly attacked a romantic partner. He previously was in prison for spousal rape from an earlier marriage, according to CBS Sacramento.
As Jennifer’s family continues to mourn her death, they are remembering her as a loving person who championed fellow women.
“Unfortunately, her life was ended due to her murder. She didn’t deserve this. As a family, we are devastated by her loss. We miss her and our lives are forever changed,” the family wrote in a statement, according to ABC 10.
“Our family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. We also appreciate all of the kind words, messages, and phone calls we have received from family, friends, and community members, and we will continue to need this support as we enter this next chapter.”
To report information about the case, call the Elk Grove Police Department Investigations Bureau at 916-478-8060.
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[Feature Photo: Glennis Smith/Elk Grove Police Department]
