Courtney Taylor Martin, 35, Missing Since May 2023, Found Deceased in Smith County Pond

Courtney Taylor Martin, 35, Missing Since May 2023, Found Deceased in Smith County Pond

Courtney Taylor Martin, a 35-year-old woman from Tyler, Texas, who had been missing since May 2023, was found deceased on August 26, 2025. Her remains were discovered in a private pond on McDougle Road in Smith County. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office believes the remains are those of Martin, based on the discovery of her backpack near the site. The backpack was found by a local resident on July 3, 2025, approximately 150 yards from where the remains were located.

Martin was last seen on May 18, 2023, near the intersection of County Road 42 and Highway 110, approximately 1.4 miles from her home. She had called her mother, stating she needed a ride, but when her mother arrived minutes later, Martin was not there. At the time of her disappearance, Martin was 34 years old and had been known to frequent the area near “Tent City” on East Gentry Parkway.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office had previously suspected foul play in Martin’s disappearance. Sheriff Larry Smith confirmed that the remains found are believed to be Martin’s, but official identification is pending. The remains are being transported to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for examination. Due to the skeletal condition of the remains, the identification process may take several months.

Sheriff Smith stated that the investigation is ongoing, and detectives will continue to interview individuals and review evidence to determine the circumstances of Martin’s death. He emphasized the importance of thoroughness in the investigation, stating, “We want to make sure that we dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’ to make sure that if it is a homicide, we get the one that is responsible for it.”

Martin’s family has expressed a mix of relief and sorrow. Her mother stated she is glad to have some closure but still seeks answers about what happened to her daughter. The case remains under investigation, and further information will be released as it becomes available.