Taunton Man Arrested for Alleged Murder of His Girlfriend

TAUNTON (WBSM) — A Taunton man has been arrested and charged with the murder of his girlfriend following an alleged domestic incident Thursday afternoon.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced that a domestic homicide occurred at 8 Allcot Circle in Taunton on September 17. Taunton Police and EMS were called to that residence at about 12:51 p.m. for a report of an unconscious woman.

Police arrived and found Shannon Smith, 37, of Bridgewater at the base of the staircase inside the residence. She was unresponsive and was transported to Morton Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

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Police Arrest Suspect Following Homicide Investigation

Also at the scene was the resident, Matthew Cruz, 37. The D.A.’s Office said the police investigation led to the belief that Smith had died as a result of a domestic incident with Cruz, with whom she was in a relationship. The D.A.’s Office said Cruz had formerly lived in Bridgewater.

Arraignment Scheduled in Taunton District Court

Cruz was arrested and charged with one count of murder. He is expected to be arraigned this morning at 9 a.m. in Taunton District Court.

The incident remains under investigation by Taunton Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the D.A.’s Office.