Family seeks answers after young woman found dead after meeting man on dating app

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The family of Lauren Smith-Fields is in desperate need of answers after the 23-year-old was found dead inside her apartment.

Lauren Smith-Fields death

Lauren Smith-Fields was found unresponsive inside her apartment in Bridgeport, Connecticut on Dec. 12 and later died, News 12 reports.

Her family says their daughter was a track star who was currently enrolled at Norwalk Community College for cosmetology.

They say Smith-Fields was a hardworking young woman who had a small business to fund her education.

The medical examiner has not released the cause of death, and investigators have not released any information.

Family says Smith-Fields met an “older white man” on the dating app Bumble and it was he who alerted police to her death.

Lakeem Jetter, her brother, told the station he asked authorities about the man but was told he was a nice guy with no need to be investigated.

Lauren’s mother reportedly wrote a letter to police, who have yet responded.

Bridgeport Councilwoman Maria Pereira says police owe Smith-Fields’ mom an apology.

“She sent a really well-written email – it was lengthy, it was extensive, it was very detailed – and I was shocked when she told me just yesterday she had not even received a response,” said Pereira.

Smith-Fields father says the only contact they’ve had with police is with a “very insensitive, condescending and arrogant detective.”

The family has reportedly paid for an independent examination.

“Without a doubt we know that my daughter was not a drug user, and I had a second autopsy myself paid out of pocket because we felt so uncomfortable with the way it was handled,” said Everett Smith, Lauren’s father.

Statement by city officials

A statement by the City of Bridgeport was released regarding the case:

“The Bridgeport Police Department takes these concerns very seriously. The Command Staff of the Detective Bureau is reviewing the handling of this case to ensure that best practices were and are being followed. It is imperative to note that the death of Lauren Smith-Fields remains an ongoing investigation. Our department extends its deepest condolences to the family of Lauren.”