Tucson: Woman Arrested on Kidnapping, Assault Charges After Victim Dies

Wanted woman taken into custody near Tucson

A 40-year-old Tucson woman was arrested on Monday after the victim in her alleged kidnapping and aggravated assault case died from her injuries, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Coral Michelle Smith was taken into custody in the 6100 block of North Pepper Tree Lane, near Camino de la Tierra and River Road, on June 15, according to KVOA and KGUN 9. She was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on charges of aggravated assault and kidnapping. Smith is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Victim died days after alleged attack

The investigation began on May 29 when Rincon District deputies responded to a local hospital after Rustin Lee Dodd, 57, was admitted in critical condition, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators said the assault occurred roughly a week earlier in the 5400 block of North San Joaquin Avenue.

"Authorities learned the victim, identified as 57-year-old Rustin Lee Dodd, had been brought to the hospital that morning by emergency medical services and was in critical condition," according to PCSD.

Homicide and Robbery/Assault Unit detectives took over the case because of the seriousness of Dodd's injuries, according to PCSD.

Investigators determined that Dodd had gone to Smith's residence in the 5000 block of North La Cholla Boulevard, where an altercation occurred. Smith allegedly assaulted Dodd and refused to let her leave the home, according to the sheriff's department.

Dodd was eventually allowed to leave and went to a friend's residence, where she received care for several days. On the morning of May 29, she became unresponsive and was taken to the hospital by emergency medical services.

Dodd died at the hospital on June 1.

Official cause of death still pending

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said Dodd's official cause of death is still pending. Investigators said additional charges could be considered pending the final determination of Dodd's cause of death.

Smith has lengthy criminal history

Court records show Smith has a long and violent criminal history in Pima County, according to KOLD News 13. She has been imprisoned several times for different cases, including in 2013, 2014, 2020, and 2023.

Her record includes convictions for:

• Robbery in 2011, with probation later revoked
• Disorderly conduct in 2014, with an aggravated assault charge dismissed
• Attempted vehicle theft in 2014, with a third-degree burglary charge dismissed
• Robbery in 2019, with kidnapping and drug charges dropped
• Criminal trespass in 2021, with probation later revoked
• Attempted vehicle theft in 2022, with a third-degree burglary charge dismissed
• Aggravated assault with physical injury in 2023, with a guilty plea and prison sentence

Smith has been known by several aliases, including Corral Albright, Coral Albright-Smith, and Under The Sea Smith, according to KOLD.

No connection to Nancy Guthrie case

The arrest drew national attention because the alleged crime occurred about 7 miles from the Catalina Foothills home where Nancy Guthrie was last seen, according to TMZ.

Law enforcement officials have dismissed any link between Smith's alleged crimes and Guthrie's disappearance, which remains unsolved. Guthrie's family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her recovery.

The investigation into Smith's case remains active.