UPDATE: The female has been positively identified as 42-year-old Latoya Smith. Smith was reported missing to our department on the evening of December 29, 2025.
On January 2, 2026, the SLMPD Missing Persons Unit requested assistance from the SLMPD Intelligence Unit regarding a critical missing adult.
Around 1pm, the investigation led the Intelligence detectives to the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, just north of Humboldt Ave. There they located the body of an adult female in the grass just off the trail.
Homicide detectives were called and are now handling the investigation.
A preliminary identification of the female has been made, and next of kin has been made aware. Confirmation of the identification through scientific means is still pending.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371. Anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a possible cash reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Only tips submitted to CrimeStoppers that lead to a felony arrest are eligible for CrimeStoppers’ rewards.