Investigation Leads to Second-Degree Murder and Death by Distribution Charges

On October 31, 2025, deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Boiling Springs Road in Mooresboro, North Carolina, in reference to a possible overdose. Upon arrival, deputies and EMS provided medical aid, and the individual was transported to Atrium Health–Cleveland County. The individual later died at the hospital.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigating Division initiated an investigation.

On November 19, 2025, as a follow-up to the October 31 incident, a joint investigation conducted by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team and Criminal Investigations Division (CID) resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Country Home Drive in the Harris community of Rutherford County.

During the search, investigators located approximately 1,600 pressed fentanyl pills (192 grams), 28 grams of fentanyl powder, and a 9mm handgun.

As a result of that investigation, Amanda Blake Smith, of Forest City, NC, was arrested and charged with the following:

(2) counts of Trafficking Opium or Heroin

Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for a Controlled Substance

Possession of Marijuana (up to ½ ounce)

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Smith was issued a $1,000,000 secured bond on those charges on November 19, 2025.

As the investigation continued over the following months, investigators gathered additional evidence related to the death. On January 29, 2026, Smith was additionally charged with Second-Degree Murder and Death by Distribution.

Smith will receive a bond for these new charges after she goes before a judicial official.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively combating the distribution of illegal narcotics in our community and holding individuals accountable for their actions. This is another example of great teamwork between divisions within the Sheriff’s Office.