Husband Charged in Killing Wife in West Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn.- Jackson Police charged a husband and father with shooting and killing his wife in their family home on Saturday. “It’s just sad. It’s just sad,” said neighbor Lisa Avery. “My heart goes out to the family.” Officers charged Michael Smith Sr,,41, with second degree murder after his wife Christy Smith, 36, was found dead by her two children inside of their family home off of Holly Ridge Cove. Investigators believe Smith shot his wife during an argument then took off. “As far as I know they had a great relationship,” said victim’s sister Donna Smith. “She was a great person. She helped anybody in need. Children used to come down here all the time saying they were hungry and she’d take them in and feed them.” Family members told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that Smith’s two children found their mother dead inside of the home with a single gunshot wound. The teens said their parents had been arguing before their dad asked them to go down the street. According to family members, the children were only gone a matter of minutes before Smith allegedly called and confessed to the shooting during a phone call. “All I know is my mother started hollering and screaming,” said Donna Smith, “She said my brother-in-law Michael Smith Sr. called her and said, ‘I killed your daughter and I’m going to kill myself.'” Officers said they found Smith’s truck abandoned on the SAIA Motor Freight Line Property where he works shortly after the shooting. Police said they contacted company personnel to open up the doors for a search. Around 1:20 a.m. officers said a police dog found Smith hiding in the bathroom. He was subsequently taken into custody. Family members said the couple had been married for more than 15 years and showed no signs of trouble. “My sister was the type of person that what goes on behind closed doors stays behind closed doors but if there’s any kind of domestic violence at all seek help,” said Smith. “She wanted to see her kids grow up go to college have kids she wanted to have grand babies.” Smith is charged with Second-Degree Murder and is scheduled to make his first court appearance at 8 a.m. Monday in Jackson City Court.
