A Massachusetts man allegedly told police he choked his girlfriend "as hard as I could" during an argument, killing her, before dragging her body down a staircase and claiming she had flung herself down the steps. Matthew Cruz, 37, is now facing murder charges after investigators said his account of the death of Shannon Smith, also 37, shifted dramatically multiple times.
Background
The incident occurred inside Cruz's townhouse in Taunton, Massachusetts. According to Bristol County prosecutors, Cruz and Smith had been dating "on and off" for approximately 10 months prior to her death. The fatal confrontation reportedly began when Cruz accused Smith of infidelity, a claim that allegedly triggered a heated dispute.
Smith was found unconscious at the bottom of the stairs by first responders. Investigators noted that her skin was "discolored" upon arrival, suggesting she may have been deceased for a significant period before Cruz called for help. Additionally, Smith's body exhibited rug burns, which police believe were caused by Cruz dragging or throwing her down the staircase.
The Investigation
During initial questioning, Cruz provided conflicting narratives regarding how Smith died. He first claimed that Smith had admitted to cheating, made "suicidal statements," and then voluntarily flung herself down the staircase. When pressed by investigators, Cruz changed his story, alleging that the two of them had fallen down the stairs together during a scuffle.
However, according to a criminal complaint obtained by MassLive, Cruz eventually admitted to putting his arm around Smith's neck and applying pressure until she stopped moving and went limp. He allegedly confessed that he began strangling Smith before they fell down the stairs and continued to choke her after they reached the bottom. Cruz is being held without bail.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Cruz, 37, is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Shannon Smith, 37, in Taunton, Mass.
- Cruz allegedly admitted to choking Smith "as hard as I could" during an argument over alleged infidelity.
- Police say Cruz changed his story multiple times, first claiming Smith jumped, then that they fell, before admitting to strangulation.
- Smith was found with rug burns and discolored skin, suggesting she was left dead at the bottom of the stairs for some time.
- Cruz was previously arrested in August for assault and battery after allegedly shoving his father.
What's Next
Cruz is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 15 for a probable cause hearing. He remains held without bail while Bristol County prosecutors prepare to present their case regarding the fatal altercation and the subsequent handling of the victim's body.