On May 27, 2026, at approximately 2:13 A.M., police responded to an apartment in Vadnais Heights, Ramsey County, Minnesota. GB told police that she went to check on her daughter, V1 (YOB: 2012 – age 13), around 12:30 A.M. And found her bed made with pillows to look like she was sleeping, but V1 was not there. GB reported that V1 had run away numerous times in the past and has been seeing a 19 year old man, later fully identified as JEREMY CORTEZ SMITH – [DOB REDACTED], for approximately four months despite GB’s demands against it.
GB believed V1 ran away to be with SMITH tonight as she has done in the past. GB also reported that she suspects the relationship is sexual in nature because V1 returns home covered in hickeys after being with SMITH, but V1 denied those accusations. GB told police that she reached out to SMITH on Facebook and told him to stay away from V1, and that SMITH admitted to knowing that V1 was a minor. GB provided V1’s cell phone to police. Police responded to SMITH’s residence but were unable to make contact with SMITH or confirm V1’s presence there.
At approximately 9:30 A.M., the investigator spoke with GB, who advised that V1 returned home around 4:00 A.M. And was sure V1 was with SMITH. Police reviewed messages between GB and SMITH, many of which were sexual in nature. The text messages on V1’s phone began on April 19. It appeared that some of the text messages were deleted. At approximately 12:30 P.M., the investigator went to V1’s residence to speak with V1 and GB. They informed the investigator that SMITH was a family friend of V1’s aunt, and they met at V1’s aunt’s house then started talking.
GB said V1’s aunt told SMITH how old V1 was. V1 denied having sex with SMITH. V1 reported that she and SMITH only kissed and gave each other hickeys. GB said V1 initially told SMITH she was 15 years old, and GB contacted SMITH and told him how old V1 was. V1 admitted that she snuck out on May 27 to see SMITH. At approximately 6:00 P.M., police went to SMITH’s residence in St. Paul. Police obtained a DNA sample from SMITH and took his cell phone. SMITH told police that he did not want to answer any questions about the incident with V1. On May 28, the investigator received a text message from GB saying that she no longer wanted to pursue charges against SMITH. The investigator spoke with GB, who advised that she spoke with SMITH’s mom, who said that SMITH threatened to kill himself.
GB stated that she did not want SMITH’s death on her conscience and would not cooperate any further. GB was informed that the investigation would continue, and the investigator reiterated the seriousness of the case. Police located the following messages between SMITH and V1 that discussed or were related to sexual conduct: April 20 SMITH referred to his bedroom as a “pussy playground” and told V1 to think of a way to get over there. April 21 SMITH told V1, “Ima slap u across yo face wit my meat you call me a boy once more I tell you” April 29 SMITH said he would not give her any more hickeys and said they see what happens when he does.
