A 34-year-old Clinton woman has been found dead following an extensive law enforcement search, and her husband is now in custody facing charges related to the incident.

Friday evening, the Clinton Police Department began an investigation to a Clinton address to conduct a welfare check of Cassandra N. Smith. Following an initial investigation, authorities issued a missing-and-endangered person alert for Smith.

On Saturday morning, the Clinton Police Department requested assistance from the Illinois State Police (ISP) Zone 5 Investigations. Over the course of the day, authorities executed search warrants on multiple properties and vehicles associated with the case.

At approximately 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, law enforcement located a vehicle of interest near Sunrise Court in Clinton. The execution of a search warrant at that location led to the discovery of Cassandra Smith’s body.

Her husband, 35-year-old Nicholas L. Smith of Clinton, was taken into custody shortly thereafter. He is currently being held in the DeWitt County Jail on charges of obstructing justice, resisting a peace officer, and concealment of a death.

Preliminary postmortem findings indicate that Cassandra Smith died of multiple blunt injuries. Authorities stated that additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

The Clinton Police Department was assisted in the case by the Illinois State Police Zone 5 Investigations, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office, the DeWitt County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the DeWitt County Coroner. While local police continue to assist with the investigation, the Illinois State Police have assumed the lead role in the matter.

In a statement following the discovery, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers emphasized the gravity of the situation and the importance of domestic violence awareness.

“We are grateful for the support of our law enforcement partners and remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter,” Chief Lowers said. “This tragic loss of life is a stark reminder that domestic violence is not a private matter; it is a serious and urgent public safety issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out. Help is available.”

The investigation remains active. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Future inquiries regarding the case should be directed to the Illinois State Police.