Twana Smith – 7 of Clubs, Connecticut

When Twana Smith’s body was discovered behind an abandoned building in Hartford in October 1997, she joined a growing list of the city’s vulnerable locals who fell victim to violent predators. And for decades, her case sat unsolved, gathering dust… even as detectives found the keys to unlock mysteries from the same era. But after years of dead ends, investigators now believe they’re on the brink of a breakthrough… they just need a final push over the finish line.

Twana Smith - 7 of Clubs - Connecticut

Courtesy of Connecticut State Department of Correction

Episode Info

If you know anything about the murder of Twana Smith, please contact the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division at 860-757-4000, or the Cold Case Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477). You can also email tips hartfordpd.media@hartford.gov.

To apply for a Cold Case Playing Card grant through Season of Justice, please visit www.seasonofjustice.org.

Twana Smith.

Twana Smith. Photo Credit: Family of Twana Smith, courtesy
Twana Smith.

Twana Smith. Photo credit: Hartford Police Department, Courtesy
Twana Smith as a child.

Twana Smith as a child. Photo credit: Family of Twana Smith, courtesy
A Google Earth map of the Asylum Hill section of Hartford, CT, showing where Twana’s body was found in comparison to Michael Gratic’s homicide.

A Google Earth map of the Asylum Hill section of Hartford, CT, showing where Twana’s body was found in comparison to Michael Gratic’s homicide. Photo credit: Google Earth
The crime scene in 1997, an abandoned building on Ashley Street.

The crime scene in 1997, an abandoned building on Ashley Street. Photo credit: Hartford Police Department, Courtesy
Twana’s body was found at the bottom of this stairwell, in an area littered with trash.

Twana’s body was found at the bottom of this stairwell, in an area littered with trash. Photo credit: Hartford Police Department, Courtesy
Twana’s body was found at the bottom of this stairwell.

Twana’s body was found at the bottom of this stairwell. Photo credit: Hartford Police Department, Courtesy
The front of the abandoned building Twana was found behind in 1997.

The front of the abandoned building Twana was found behind in 1997. Photo credit: Hartford Police Department, Courtesy
The front of that building in 2023.

The front of that building in 2023. Photo credit: audiochuck staff
Twana’s clothing.

Twana’s clothing. Photo credit: Hartford Police Department, Courtesy
Matthew Johnson was convicted of murdering multiple women.

Matthew Johnson was convicted of murdering multiple women. Photo credit: Connecticuct State Division of Criminal Justice
Shiraleen Crawford’s body was found in August 1997. There was early speculation her murder was connected to Twana’s.

Shiraleen Crawford’s body was found in August 1997. There was early speculation her murder was connected to Twana’s. Photo credit: Connecituct State Division of Criminal Justice
Robert White was later identified as Shiraleen Crawford’s killer.

Robert White was later identified as Shiraleen Crawford’s killer. Photo credit: Connecticut State Division of Criminal Justice

Episode Source Material

Original reporting by Nina Schutzman