A Bristol County man faced a judge Friday after being accused of murdering his girlfriend.
According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III, 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, was arrested and charged with one count of Murder.
At arraignment in Taunton District Court, Cruz was held without bail.
WJAR 10 is reporting that Cruz told police that the couple had fought over infidelity allegations and that he had strangled Smith during the altercation.
He reportedly has a history of assault charges including a recent case involving his father.
A friend of Smith told Fall River Reporter that “she was incredibly kind, upbeat, positive and bubbly with a heart of Gold. She liked butterflies and fun colored eyeshadow. She will truly be missed by my friends and family.”
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.
