Itasca sheriff: Woman was homicide victim

Itasca County sheriff's officials are investigating the death of a Deer River woman as a homicide.

Sheriff's officials say 43-year-old Sonya Ann Smith died from multiple traumatic injuries due to assault. She was found in her home Wednesday morning.

The Duluth News Tribune reports interviews and forensic evidence have led law enforcement to believe Smith's death was not a random attack.

Sheriff Vic Williams says authorities are not releasing other details about possible suspects or what kind of weapon was used in the attack as the investigation continues. He says they hope to have more

information available in the next few days.

Sheriff's officials say they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety.