On June 10, 2023, at approximately 0115 hours, Officers of the Portsmouth Police Department were called to the Ohio River in reference to a male who had jumped off the Grant bridge. Upon officers’ arrival, the male was out of the water and on the riverbank. The male was injured and stated to officers that he wanted to kill himself. The male was transported to SOMC by Portsmouth Fire/EMS.While being treated at SOMC, the male made statements indicating that his mother was at Kroger’s, in a sliver Cadillac, and that she was in bad shape needing an ambulance.Portsmouth Police patrol officers arrived at Kroger’s in Portsmouth and found the victim, Carol SueSwymn, stuffed in the front floor board of the Cadillac, injured from an apparent assault. Portsmouth Fire/EMS transported the victim to a landing zone and was life flighted to Cabell Huntington Hospital.Portsmouth Police Department Investigation’s Division responded to the scene to investigate the incident. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and responded to process the vehicle the victim was found in and the victim’s apartment, at 4332 Millbrook Ave. Apt. 1 in New Boston, Ohio.The suspect was transported to Grant Medical Center in Columbus for treatment for the injuries he sustained after jumping off the bridge.On June 11, 2023, at approximately 0730 hours, the victim died from her injuries The investigation has determined that the suspect, Michael R. Smith, age 61, of 4332 Millbrook Ave.New Boston, Ohio had severely assaulted his mother, the victim, Carol Sue Swymn, age 85, of 4332 Millbrook Ave. New Boston, Ohio. The victim ultimately died from the injuries she sustained in the assault.A warrant was issued for the suspect, Michael Smith, for Murder, a Felony 1. On June 14, 2023, the suspect was arrested at Grant Medical Center after being released from treatment. The suspect is currently lodged in the Franklin County Jail awaiting a hearing to be transferred back to Scioto County.Anyone with any information about this incident or prior incidents involving the suspect/victim are asked to contact Detective Lee Bower at 740-353-3684.Assisting agencies: Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, Special victim’s unit, Portsmouth Fire Department, New Boston Police Department, Scioto County Coroner’s Office, Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, and the Columbus Police Department.
