Mother Wanted for Death of Toddler, Injured Teen in Ore. Motel Room Arrested

This was the first homicide in Cannon Beach in almost 50 years.

Police in Cannon Beach, Oregon say they have arrested the mother who was wanted in connection with the murder of her 2-year-old daughter and the attempted murder of her teenage daughter. Photo Courtesy: Cannon Beach Police Department

(CANNON BEACH, Ore. ) - Police in Cannon Beach, Oregon say they have arrested the mother who was wanted in connection with the murder of her 2-year-old daughter and the attempted murder of her teenage daughter.

40-year-old Jessica Smith of Goldendale, Washington was taken into custody Sunday afternoon after her vehicle was found in a heavily forested area near Cannon Beach, police chief Jason Schermerhorn said. Police took her into custody without incident, and she is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Isabella was found dead and Alana was found critically wounded at the Surfsand Resort in Cannon Beach on Friday. Housekeepers found them around 9:45 a.m., Clatsop County officials said in a release, and no adults were in the room. The 13-year-old had surgery late Friday night at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and is currently in stable condition police said.

This was the first homicide in Cannon Beach in almost 50 years.

During a press conference Saturday, Cannon Beach Police Chief Schermerhorn described it as one of the most horrifying scenes he had ever seen.

Greg Smith, the children’s father and Jessica’s estranged husband, released the following statement on behalf of the family:

“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and support from Cannon Beach and the surrounding communities. We would also like to thank all the law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts. Special thanks is given to the caregivers and other support individuals for their empathy and skilled care of our whole family.

Our family is working through a very difficult time, and we would request that our privacy be respected. If, in the future, any member of the family wishes to speak with media, we will reach out directly or through police officials. Thank you.”