Charges against stepdaughter of slain minister dropped
Charges against the stepdaughter of a minister shot and killed outside his Knightdale home two years ago have been dismissed, according to the Wake County District Attorney's Office.
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Carletta Patrica Alston had been held in the Wake County jail since being arrested on a first-degree murder charge shortly after the June 4, 2009, death of Michael Donnell Smith, 48.
Wake District Attorney Colon Willoughby said he has asked the Wake County Sheriff's Office to further investigate Smith's death.
Deputies found Smith lying in his driveway at 1808 Lucas Road after his wife, Phyllis, called 911, saying that she heard gunshots as he left for work as a truck driver around 3:30 a.m. Alston was calling her stepfather's cell phone, trying to get in touch with him, Phyllis Smith said in the 911 call.
Alston lived at Smith's home, along with her mother, who had been married to Smith for seven years, authorities said.
Smith was an associate minister at Truth and Delivery International Ministry Church in Knightdale, where he preached, taught Bible study, Sunday school and was active in community outreach.
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