I spoke with Celeste's Mother today. She told me that the report in the Mobile Register is the most accurate at this time. Here is the report. I'm sorry to say,the authorities have ruled it a homicide.





Suspect held without bond

07/13/01

By RICHARD LAKE
Staff Reporter

Andrew Jackson Smith, who is accused of killing his
girlfriend over the weekend, was ordered held without bond
Thursday because he is on parole for a 1996 federal drug
conviction, according to his attorney and federal court
records.

Smith, 40, was arrested Tuesday and charged with murder,
one day after a medical examiner ruled the death of
Celeste LeNoir Phillips a homicide.

Smith, who lived on Hillcrest Drive in Mobile at the time,
was convicted in federal court in 1996 of importing a
controlled substance, anabolic steroids, and possession of
a controlled substance, records show. The records do not
indicate what controlled substance was found in his
possession.

After his conviction, Smith was sentenced in 1998 to serve
seven months in prison, and to complete a drug treatment
program. According to state court records, Smith has no
other criminal record in Alabama.

According to police, Phillips, 37, was found dead in a
relative's home Sunday afternoon. She and Smith, who
friends said had been dating only a few months, had gotten
into a dispute during which police believe she suffered fatal
injuries. They were at his Lafayette Square apartment on
Saturday night, and she eventually left for her brother's
home. Her 5-year-old son, Carter, went with her.

Police and family members said she fell asleep and was
found dead in bed the next day. Police won't say how she
died, or if a weapon was used, only that the autopsy ruled
her death was caused by "blunt force trauma."

Phillips, a native Mobilian, was a popular singer at several
area restaurants and bars, said family and friends. Funeral
arrangements are pending.

John White, Smith's attorney, would not comment
Thursday about the specifics of the case.

I'm speechless....

Thanks Tim

For those of you who knew and loved Cleste as I did my heart goes out to you. She was a very special person. Firey and with a short fuse you never knew what she would do next. Talented and athletic she could do anything she wanted and pull it off. She kept the whole island entertained in more ways than one. She was a loyal friend and careing mother. She'd ask me to sit in for a song and while I was playing she'd leave and not come back for an hour and think it was funny as hell to leave me out to dry. She had a soft tender side she that tried to hide but we all saw it in times of need. I miss her. The world was a better place when she wasw with us.

I am so saddened to hear about Celeste. I have such fond memories of her entertaining us and our wonderful talks in Belize. What a tremendous loss.