EPD makes arrest in woman's disappearance

Enterprise Police Chief T.D. Jones has announced the arrest of a suspect in the disappearance of Ayanna Smith, 26.

"We feel certain that Ms. (Ayanna) Smith is a victim of foul play," Jones said.

Malcom Theotis Hunter, 29, was arrested and charged with murder on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 3:30 p.m. A body has not been found at this time.

A person can be charged with murder even with the absence of a body “if a jury can reasonably infer, based on the evidence, actual or circumstantial, that it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the missing person is in fact dead,” said Twelfth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tom Anderson. “There have been a litany of such cases over the years that cover many different states, including Kentucky and Tennessee.

“In this case, we have multiple statements that point to this,” Anderson said. “And it is expected to be bolstered by the forensic evidence submitted for analysis.”

Hunter was previously arrested on Jan. 26 and charged with failing to register as an ex-felon, according to Jones. His second arrest occurred while he was in municipal court for this charge.

He was being held in the Coffee County Jail before being charged with murder.

Jones said Hunter and Smith were in a relationship, but were not legally married, despite posts on social media.

Smith had a five-month-old child and a seven-year-old child. The children are currently with Smith's mother.

"We're asking anyone with information on this case to please come forward with any information, no matter how minute they think their information may be," Jones said. "We're still actively trying to find Ms. Smith.

"We need some more information because we're trying to do everything we can to bring some closure to the family and they can find their loved one."

Smith was last seen on W. Brunson Street on Jan. 21 at 10 p.m., according to an EPD press release. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue pants and black shoes.

According to Sgt. Jeff Spence, Smith's mother contacted the police on Jan. 23 about her daughter. He said the case began with the unauthorized use of Smith's vehicle.

"I want to say to the family that our hearts and prayers are with the family of Ayanna Smith," Jones said. "No family should have to suffer through the agony and heartbreak of not knowing where their loved ones are located."

Jones credited the following agencies for their assistance in the investigation: the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and Posse, the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Dothan Police Department, the Dothan Crime Lab, the Level Plains Police Department, the Daleville Police Department, Wiregrass Aviation Support, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the United States Marshalls, the Coffee County District Attorney’s Office, the Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue and the Sarasota, Fla., K9 Search and Rescue.

The EPD is asking for the public's assistance in this case. If anyone has information regarding the disappearance of Ayanna Smith, contact the EPD at (334) 347-2222.