UNION COUNTY, N.C. – Deputies in Union County arrested a man in connection with the murder of an 87-year-old Stallings man last September.
Stephen D. Smithson, 51, was charged with first-degree murder related to the stabbing death of Simual “S.A.” Augusta Flowe. Flowe was found stabbed to death in a home office on September 6, 2017.
Union County detectives and SBI agents pursued numerous leads during the investigation before determining Smithson was a former tenant of Flowe’s in a trailer park located near his home. Detectives believe Smithson was evicted while serving time in the Mecklenburg County Jail last summer. Once released from jail, detectives said Smithson visited Flowe to discuss a place to live.
Investigators alleged Flowe’s murder happened during that meeting with Smithson. In addition to murder charges, Smithson is facing a probation violation and is in jail without bond. His next court date is March 27, 2018.
“Our detectives, crime scene investigators and deputies did excellent work in resolving this case," said Sheriff Eddie Cathey. "At times, it seemed as though leads had dried up but they refused to give up. I am proud of them as well as the SBI agents who helped clear this case. Although we can’t bring Mr. Flowe back, hopefully, we can provide some closure for his family and friends.”
