Topline: Shannon Smith, 37, died at a hospital after police found her unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase in Taunton.
Published: September 21, 2026 7:04 am ET
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TAUNTON, MA — A Taunton man faces a murder charge in the death of his girlfriend, Shannon Smith, who was found unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase Thursday.
According to 7News Boston, police concluded after an investigation that Smith died because of a domestic incident involving Matthew Cruz, 37.
Officers responded to 8 Allcot Circle on September 17 after receiving reports of an unconscious woman. They found Smith, a 37-year-old Bridgewater resident, at the foot of the stairs. She was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Cruz was scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Friday, September 18.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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Taunton Man Charged With Girlfriend’s Murder After She Was Found Unresponsive
Shannon Smith, 37, died at a hospital after police found her unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase in Taunton.
By Staff Reports
Published: September 21, 2026 7:04 am ET
TAUNTON, MA — A Taunton man faces a murder charge in the death of his girlfriend, Shannon Smith, who was found unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase Thursday.
According to 7News Boston, police concluded after an investigation that Smith died because of a domestic incident involving Matthew Cruz, 37.
Officers responded to 8 Allcot Circle on September 17 after receiving reports of an unconscious woman. They found Smith, a 37-year-old Bridgewater resident, at the foot of the stairs. She was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Cruz was scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Friday, September 18.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Taunton Man Charged With Girlfriend’s Murder After She Was Found Unresponsive
Shannon Smith, 37, died at a hospital after police found her unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase in Taunton.
By Staff Reports
Published: September 21, 2026 7:04 am ET
TAUNTON, MA — A Taunton man faces a murder charge in the death of his girlfriend, Shannon Smith, who was found unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase Thursday.
According to 7News Boston, police concluded after an investigation that Smith died because of a domestic incident involving Matthew Cruz, 37.
Officers responded to 8 Allcot Circle on September 17 after receiving reports of an unconscious woman. They found Smith, a 37-year-old Bridgewater resident, at the foot of the stairs. She was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Cruz was scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Friday, September 18.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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