Missouri Woman's Body Found Decomposing in Apartment, Roommate Charged

Lawanda McGee's body was left in the apartment for weeks, according to police.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:47am

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The body of a Missouri woman, Lawanda McGee, was found decomposing in her apartment. Her roommate, Terrance Smith, has been charged with abandonment of a corpse for allegedly letting McGee's body decompose for weeks without reporting it.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic circumstances surrounding McGee's death and the disturbing actions of her roommate in failing to report her passing. It raises questions about mental health, the responsibility of roommates, and the need for stronger support systems to prevent such incidents.

The details

According to police, McGee's body was found on January 21st, but authorities believe she died around December 15th. Her roommate, Terrance Smith, has been charged with abandonment of a corpse for allegedly covering McGee's body with blankets and trying to air out the apartment to mask the smell, rather than reporting her death.

  • McGee's body was found on January 21, 2026.
  • Authorities believe McGee died around December 15, 2025.

The players

Lawanda McGee

A Missouri woman who recently graduated from nursing school and was found dead in her apartment.

Terrance Smith

McGee's 49-year-old roommate who has been charged with abandonment of a corpse for allegedly leaving her decomposing body in their apartment for weeks.

Ashley Barrett

McGee's sister, who became concerned when she couldn't reach her sister and started calling hospitals and other places to try to find her.

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What they’re saying

“She had just graduated from nursing school, so we were excited to see what she was preparing us for.”

— Ashley Barrett, McGee's sister

“We've buried pretty much everybody that we grew up with. Our parents, mom, dad, they're all gone. It was just us two, so we were close.”

— Ashley Barrett, McGee's sister

“He sat with her for 38 days and just walked past her every day. He covered her with blankets. He tried to air the place out so no one could smell it.”

— Ashley Barrett, McGee's sister

“She didn't deserve that.”

— Ashley Barrett, McGee's sister

What’s next

The judge will decide on Terrance Smith's bond on February 10th.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger support systems and mental health resources to prevent such disturbing incidents, where a person's death is left unattended and unreported by those closest to them.