Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III has announced a domestic homicide that occurred today in Taunton.
Taunton Police and EMS responded to a residence at 8 Allcot Circle at just past 12:45 p.m. regarding a female who was described as being unconscious.
Upon arrival, police located 37-year-old Shannon Smith of Bridgewater, MA, at the base of the staircase inside of the townhome unresponsive. Smith was transported to Morton Hospital where she was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
At the residence, police encountered 37-year-old Matthew Cruz, who resides at 8 Allcot Circle. Police investigation has revealed that Smith died as a result of a domestic incident with Cruz. The two were in a dating relationship.
Matthew Cruz of Taunton, formerly of Bridgewater, has been arrested and charged with one count of Murder.
The defendant’s arraignment is expected to take place tomorrow morning at approximately 9:00 a.m. at the Taunton District Court.
The investigation into this matter remains active and ongoing by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with Taunton Police. No further information is available at this time.
