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Police continue to pursue leads in 2012 disappearance of trans woman

Crystal Graham
trans transgender dashad sage smith charlottesville cold case missing
DaShad “Sage” Smith. Images courtesy Charlottesville Police Department

The Charlottesville Police Department will hold a news conference on Thursday to provide an update on a transgender woman who went missing on Nov. 20, 2012.

DaShad “Sage” Smith was last seen on West Main Street in the city; they were 19 years old when they went missing 13 years ago. Smith was a graduate of Charlottesville High School.

Smith’s disappearance was reclassified by police as a homicide in 2016.

A person of interest in the case, Erik McFadden, allegedly left Charlottesville shortly after Smith’s disappearance. McFadden was an acquaintance of Smith, according to police, and the two were planning to meet up on the night Smith went missing. McFadden was supposed to talk with detectives but did not show up.

Erik McFadden suspect
Erik McFadden

Detectives believe McFadden may have fled to Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina or New York.

The news conference will take place at CitySpace at 2 p.m.

“CPD remains committed to pursuing all leads related to the investigation. During the press conference, CPD will discuss updates to the investigation and ongoing efforts to bring justice to the Smith family and the community,” an update sent to the community read.

Anyone with information on the homicide of Smith or the whereabouts of McFadden is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000.


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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]