The State - News from July 13, 1987

Fresno police tried to charge a prostitute who has AIDS-related complex with attempted murder for continuing to practice her profession after the illness was diagnosed, officials reported, but prosecutors said they could not prove intent to kill. Police said that when Stephanie Smith, 36, was arrested for investigation of prostitution and was asked about the possibility of infecting clients, she replied: “So what.” But she told the Fresno Bee: “I hope I haven’t infected anybody.” She added that she was a longtime heroin addict and probably contracted the disease from sharing needles.