On May 8, 2023, 17-year-old Michael Smith was found unresponsive at his home and was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. His parents, Kelly Harris and Robert Smith, were subsequently indicted on August 22, 2023, and arrested for first degree murder and child abuse. The Department of Child Safety had one prior unsubstantiated neglect report from 2018 involving the family, and no services were being provided at the time of the incident. A joint investigation was conducted with the Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department. Another child in the home was assessed as safe, and the family declined offered services.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The fatality report identifies "his parents, Kelly Harris and Robert Smith" as those indicted for 1st degree murder and child abuse. Robert Smith shares the surname with the victim Michael Smith, strongly suggesting he is the biological father. DCS reports typically refer to biological parents unless otherwise noted.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The fatality report identifies "his parents, Kelly Harris and Robert Smith" as those indicted for 1st degree murder and child abuse. Kelly Harris is identified as one of Michael Smith's parents, and in the context of DCS reports, "parents" typically refers to biological parents unless otherwise indicated.
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
The fatality report explicitly documents a prior report: "On April 2, 2018, a report was received alleging neglect to Michael Smith by his parents Kelly Harris and Robert Smith. The allegations were unsubstantiated. There were no services provided and the case was closed on May 31, 2018."
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The fatality report states: "On August 22, 2023, his parents, Kelly Harris and Robert Smith, were indicted on 1st degree murder and child abuse charges" and "Kelly Harris and Robert Smith were arrested for first degree murder and child abuse."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
The fatality report notes that despite both parents being arrested for first degree murder and child abuse, "The other child in the home was assessed as safe. The family was offered services; however, they declined to participate." Subsequently, "A subsequent report was received involving the parents and a sibling on February 1, 2024. The investigation is ongoing." This suggests that despite a child fatality attributed to the parents, a remaining sibling continued to be at potential risk, as evidenced by a new report being filed months later.
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