Emmett woman charged with murder makes brief court appearance

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Connie Smith of Emmett briefly appeared in court via live stream from the Ada County Jail.

She was arrested in Ada County on Thursday and will be headed back to Gem County soon to be charged with first-degree murder. A spokesperson told CBS2 Friday afternoon that Smith is no longer being held at Ada County Jail.

At this point, neither the Gem County Sheriff's Office nor the Ada County Sheriff's Office will confirm whether she's connected to the death of 8-year-old Taryn Summers, who was reported missing on Monday. After several days of searching, authorities believe they found her body.

They have not revealed where or how the body was located. However, investigators from several agencies could be seen searching a property off Airport Road in Emmett Thursday afternoon.

Earlier this week, the sheriff's office asked for help finding Taryn and her two siblings -- 17-year-old Tristan Sexton and 14-year-old Taylor Summers, saying they disappeared from a home in that area. Tristan and Taylor were reported as runaways last fall.

The Gem County Sheriff's Office says it's been in contact with family members and the two aren't believed to be in danger.

Again, it's unknown if Connie Smith is connected to the case. The sheriff's office told CBS2 on Friday that it's planning to release additional information about the investigation.

The Gem County Prosecutor says if Smith was transferred to Gem County on Friday, she will likely be arraigned in court on Monday at 1:30p.m.