Police open investigation into death of Lauren Smith-Fields

Bridgeport Police has launched a criminal investigation into the death of Lauren Smith-Fields after the medical examiner issued her cause of death, which her family questioned.

Criminal investigation into Lauren Smith-Fields death

The probe comes as a result of Monday’s announcement by Connecticut’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that Smith-Fields died on Dec. 12 from “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, promethazine, hydroxyzine and alcohol.”

According to News 12 Connecticut, the Bridgeport Police Department will get the assistance of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case will now be transferred to the Bridgeport Narcotics and Vice Division.

The 23-year-old was found deceased in her bed following a date with a man she met on the dating app Bumble. Smith-Fields family said they were not properly notified of her death by police and claims the department was racially insensitive when they requested more information about her case.

Police statement

Police Chief Rebeca Garcia said Tuesday, “The Bridgeport Police Department continues to treat the untimely death of Lauren Smith-Fields as an active investigation as we are now refocusing our attention and efforts to the factors that lead to her untimely death. We have engaged several partners to assist with this portion of the investigation. Once again, we offer our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Lauren Smith-Fields and ask that anyone with information to please contact 203 576-TIPS.”

The Bridgeport mayor announced on Tuesday there will also be an internal investigation into the handling of Smith-Fields case.