After a 23-year-old woman was found dead inside her Bridgeport apartment in December, her family is demanding answers.
On Monday, the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner announced Lauren Smith-Fields died from a deadly combination of fentanyl and alcohol. The medical examiner ruled the manner of her death an “accident.”
Smith-Fields died two weeks before Christmas after meeting with an older man through a dating app.
Her family has been skeptical of the Bridgeport Police Department’s handling of the case and announced plans to file a lawsuit.
The Stamford High School graduate was a student at Norwalk Community College and had her own business.
Her family said they were outraged and disgusted at how they say the Bridgeport Police Department has handled the investigation.
Lauren’s mother and brother went to her apartment on Dec 13. and saw a note on the door.
The family said they had to call the police and the detective about the case and didn’t get confirmation about Lauren’s death until they reached out to Bridgeport Police Department.
The Smith-Field family said once they reached out to a detective, he confirmed that Lauren had passed away and she had met a man through the dating app “Bumble.”
Once the family found out about the man, they asked the detective about the man who Lauren met through the dating app, but the family said the detective’s response was shocking.
After a large protest rally on the family’s behalf was held Sunday, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said the internal Affairs Division is now investigating how the family was treated.
Ganim released a statement on Monday saying sensitivity and care if utmost importance when working with the family of a victim.
“I would like to restate the city’s condolences to the family and friends of Lauren Smith-Fields, and to the many caring individuals who have reached out seeking answers for Lauren,” the statement said.
“I recognize that the family and the community is experiencing a lot of pain because of the loss of a young woman, in addition to unanswered questions and concerns about the way the matter has been handled.”
Ganim also announced that he will work with the Chief of Police to make changes to the police department’s policies and practices when it comes to notifying family members of death.
“I support and add my voice to the family, community, and elected officials who are calling for state legislation on this issue,” Ganim said.
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