Wynter Smith’s Body Found in Alley – She ‘Didn’t Deserve This,’ Says Heartbroken Family

• The case of missing two-year-old Wynter Cole Smith has reached a tragic and devastating conclusion: she was found dead in an alley.
• The baby girl's family is heartbroken and has recently spoken out about the tragedy, saying the little girl "didn't deserve this" horrible fate.

In the early hours of Monday morning, a two-year-old girl named Wynter Cole Smith was reported missing in Lansing after her mother was sexually assaulted and physically attacked with a weapon by her ex-boyfriend, Rashad Trice.

Later in the day, Trice was found by police driving what was presumed to be a stolen car and was arrested in St. Clair Shores in Michigan. However, the assailant, believed to have kidnapped Wynter, did not have the toddler with him in the car. This prompted an avid search for the little girl, with a $25,000 reward for anyone with information on her possible whereabouts.

Wynter Cole Smith's Family Speaks Out on the Devastating Outcome of the Search Efforts

Despite increased and high-level search efforts, almost three days after an Amber Alert was initiated, police found Wynter's body in an alley in Detroit around 6:50 p.m. Soon after the horrible news was announced, the child's family released an official statement:

"We are heartbroken over the loss of our beautiful daughter, granddaughter, cousin, niece, and big sister, Wynter Cole Smith. Wynter's brief but bright life was taken from her unnecessarily, and we will grieve her death forever. We wish to thank the FBI, all law enforcement, all the volunteers, and the Dock Ellis Foundation for their assistance, compassion, and professionalism."

The statement continues to reveal that the family has also made efforts to try and ensure measures are put in place to help prevent similar tragedies like this one from taking place. They asked Governor Whitmer and the state legislature to consider putting legislation in place to ensure that multiple-time violent assailants are kept in prison to maintain the safety and security of vulnerable communities.

The family revealed its plans to host a vigil to honor Wynter's memory, which will take place today, Friday, July 7, at 6 p.m. They have extended an invitation to the public to join them in praying for Wynter.

Though Trice has yet to be charged in connection with the death of Wynter, more charges are expected to ensue.

Among the grieving and heartbroken family members was Wynter's 24-year-old father, Ajay Smith, a senior who studies and plays football at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Speaking with Fox 2 Detroit, he opened up about the tragedy at Wynter's memorial site, which has since been decorated with teddy bears, balloons, and child-like memorabilia by the community and the Detroit police department. A forlorn-looking Ajay had the following to say:

"Why me? Why? I'm angry that she's gone; I'm angry she had to deal with that. I'm sad I didn't get to see her; I'm sad I don't get to be with her. I'm sad I wasn't here for her. A lot of this just doesn't feel real."

Wynter's loving grandparents, Almount Smith Sr. and Sharren Eddings, also spoke out about the situation. The grandfather expressed his devastation, considering how hard his son Ajay was working to provide a dream life for Wynter.

Meanwhile, Sharon recalled how she used to keep some of Wynter's stuff and lied to Wynter's mom that they were lost, just so she could have something to hold on to. Now she's grateful for having done so because that's all she has left of little Wynter. Shocked by the unfair and gruesome loss of her granddaughter, Sharon expressed:

"How could somebody harm a little child like that?"

As the family continues to mourn their gut-wrenching loss, they're struggling to understand how someone could perform such horrific and violent actions on a baby. Wynter's shattered aunt posted her grievances on Facebook:

"My heart is broken... my only niece, my little sister's baby man, please keep praying for our strength as we deal with this tragic situation. She did not deserve this."

The same day Wynter's body was found, her alleged assailant was charged with several offenses, including two counts of criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent to murder. Though Trice has yet to be charged in connection with the death of Wynter, more charges are expected to ensue. Condolences continue to be sent to the mourning family.