The death of Lawanda McGee, an African American woman from St. Louis, Missouri, has raised troubling questions after her body was found inside her apartment weeks after she is believed to have died.
McGee’s remains were discovered on January 21, 2026, inside her apartment on Dragonwyck Drive. The discovery came only after her cousin and the building manager asked police to check on her welfare. By that time, neighbors said they had not seen her since mid-December.
Police believe McGee may have died around December 15, based on early findings. Her final activity online was also around that date, adding to concerns about how long she went unnoticed.
At the center of the case is McGee’s roommate, 49-year-old Terrance Smith. Authorities say Smith continued to access the apartment while McGee’s body remained inside. His personal items were still there, and court records show he was seen at the apartment the night before police made the discovery.
Smith was taken into custody on February 2 after the leasing office alerted police that he had returned to the property. He is now facing charges for abandoning her body. His bond has been set at $100,000.
Family members say McGee had recently completed nursing school and was working toward a better future. She leaves behind a 13-year-old daughter. Relatives became worried after weeks passed without hearing from her, especially when rent payments fell behind and no one could reach her.
Authorities told the family that toxicology tests are still underway to determine the exact cause of death.
In response to the loss, the family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and provide support for McGee’s child. The fundraiser has raised more than $1,700 so far.