The Last Known Moment: The Death of Lauren Smith-Fields

On December 12, 2021, twenty-three-year-old Lauren Smith-Fields was found dead in her Bridgeport, Connecticut apartment — hours after a first date with a man she had met on Bumble just three days earlier.Her family didn't get a phone call. They learned Lauren was gone two days later, from a note taped to her apartment door, when they arrived expecting Christmas dinner at her place.What followed was a public reckoning over how Bridgeport Police handled her death — allegations of uncollected evidence, a detective who reportedly told the family there was no need to investigate the man who was with her, and two officers suspended and later reinstated. It sparked a new Connecticut law, national attention from figures like Cardi B, and a federal civil rights lawsuit that was dismissed in February 2025 — with a proposed settlement still moving through Bridgeport's city council as of this recording.In this episode we cover:December 12, 2021 — Lauren Smith-Fields, 23, found dead in her Bridgeport apartment after a first Bumble dateCause of death ruled accidental: acute intoxication from fentanyl, promethazine, hydroxyzine, and alcoholLauren's family says Bridgeport Police never called them — they learned of her death from a note taped to her apartment doorFamily alleges key evidence, including a pill and a condom, wasn't collected and processed for two weeksThe man who was with her that night was never seriously investigated as a person of interest, according to the familyDetectives Kevin Cronin and Angel Llanos were suspended, then reinstated on appealA new Connecticut law now requires police to notify families within 24 hours of a loved one's death2023 — Lauren's mother files a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of BridgeportFebruary 2025 — a federal judge dismisses the civil rights claims, ruling race was not shown to be a factorA proposed $30,000 settlement is still moving through Bridgeport's city council as of this recordingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/naturalqueen77-tv--7030648/support.© NaturalQueen77 TV. All rights reserved.This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content presented is based on publicly available information, news reports, court documents, and other open sources. Some details may be dramatized or condensed for narrative clarity. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the positions of law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, or the families of victims mentioned.We approach every case with respect for the victims and their loved ones. If you have information related to any case discussed on this show, please contact your local law enforcement.Subscribe to NaturalQueen77 TV for new episodes. Follow us on social media for updates, case discussions, and community conversations.💼 For business enquiries & paid deals 👉 https://socialdb.xyz/podcast/naturalqueen77-tv