Credit: Zach Adams, 1221 Photography
In April 2021, Smylie stands near the intersection where she was arrested in September of last year. Her son is due May 3.
It was the morning of Sept. 15, 2020. Jaala Smylie, 20 years old at the time, rented a room in her aunt's home on the west side of town. Smylie's aunt had woken up later than usual and didn't want to be late to work. She asked Smylie to take her 10-year-old son, Smylie's cousin, across town to day care on the north end, where he attended virtual school. Smylie didn't have to work that morning. So, still in her pajamas, she hopped in the car and took off.