Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
295 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for James Edward Ed Smith:
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Hi everyone,
I've been digging into the case of Deputy Ed Smith, and I just can't stop thinking about the escapee's 20-year-old accomplice. It's extremely unsettling to consider how someone so young could become involved in such a heinous act. At 20 years old, most are choosing college majors or starting new careers, not plotting to help someone commit murder. What influenced him to make such a life-altering decision?
The strange twist for me is learning about his later life and how he was involved in a kidnapping after being paroled. It makes me wonder if he ever felt remorse for his involvement in Deputy Smith's murder. Did he ever realize the depth of the tragedy he helped cause? It's chilling to think of the ripple effects these actions had—from the Deputy's grieving family to communities questioning their safety.
I hope we can find justice for grieving families in situations like this, and maybe understand a bit more about preventing young individuals from getting caught up in similar paths.
Thanks for reading and offering your thoughts.
Take care.
Has anyone else come across information about the conditions and safety protocols at the Joe Lewis Heights area back in 1948? It seems surprising to me that the escapee could position himself on the roof without being noticed, especially with a shotgun. I can't help but wonder if there were any precautions that could have been taken to prevent such a vantage point for the shooter. It just feels like such a tragedy for Deputy Smith and his family. The thought that maybe something could have been done differently is haunting. For those who might not know, he was fairly new to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, but had a solid experience in law enforcement. I'm interested in learning more, not just out of curiosity, but also to honor his memory and understand the challenges officers faced back then.
Wow, I came across the case of Deputy Sheriff Ed Smith, and it's really stirring to think about the sheer unpredictability law enforcement officers face every day. Particularly striking for me was the thought of Smith’s family—his wife and four kids—a community suddenly missing a husband, a father, and a dedicated officer. It’s a harsh reminder of how quickly life can change for the brave souls on the front lines and those who support them behind the scenes. The aftermath, with the shooter and accomplice, is so tangled and unsettling. Finding out the accomplice was involved in a kidnapping not long after being paroled just adds layers to how convoluted crime can be. It must have been incredibly trying for Smith’s family to process all these ramifications over the years. My thoughts go out to them and all who’ve been touched by sacrifices similar to Deputy Smith’s.