FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Statesville Police Department is investigating the death of a woman whose body was found inside a home off Hickory Avenue early Saturday morning.

Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Hickory Avenue about 4:06 a.m. after receiving a report of a deceased person inside the home, according to an SPD news release.

Arriving officers found the body of 33-year-old Shelbie Smith inside the home, police said.

The SPD’s Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and began a death investigation. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information related to Shelbie Smith’s death is asked to contact the Statesville Police Department at 704-878-3516.