Jennifer Renee Smith was a generous person who often thought of others. She gave treats to a neighbor's child. She was loved by her family and admired in her south Charlotte, North Carolina neighborhood.

But Smith, who was known to keep in touch with her friends and family, didn't return calls one day, which wasn't like her. Police are not revealing how they were contacted, but soon authorities were called to her home in the 12300 block of Verdant Court, where they found the 34-year-old's body.

Medics were called and tried life-saving measures on the 2001 graduate of Enloe High School, but it was to no avail: Smith was pronounced dead. But who killed her? Who would do this?

Suspicion soon came upon a man she was romantically involved with: 41-year-old Leroy “Jay” Anthony Cooper III. The only problem? Cooper was nowhere to be found. Authorities tried to contact him but it was as if he'd vanished.

Charlotte police then went to the public, plastering a picture of Cooper on billboards and electronic message boards and media.

Cooper was arrested without incident Friday by Greensboro police. He has been charged with first-degree murder.

Neighbors were surprised to learn about Smith's slaying.

"I'm very shocked. My dad sent me a text when I was at work at the airport and I saw the cops and I'm just driving toward the house, you can just feel the energy. It's crazy," neighbor Kevin McCorsley told WBTV. "She was a great neighbor. She gave my little brother gummy bears all the time. I never would have expected something like this."

Police still have not revealed how they believe Smith was killed.