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

Forum Posts for J. B. Hamby:
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Has anyone here delved into the escape ordeal of David Gordon Smith? It's so unsettling to think that after his conviction for the murder of Chief J. B. Hamby, he managed to slip away from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in 1985. A minimum-security prison, no less! It makes me wonder about the oversight and security measures they had in place back then. From the details, it sounds almost surreal that it took nearly seven years and an episode of "Unsolved Mysteries" to finally capture him again. Credit to the anonymous tip that led to his arrest in Spearfish, South Dakota. Truly a nerve-wracking time for the Hamby family and the Catoosa community, I'm sure. Just imagining the rollercoaster of emotions they'd have gone through knowing Smith was out there is distressing. Has anyone come across more details or interviews from that period? Would love to hear thoughts or insights on how the community rallied during that time.
There’s something I’ve been thinking about regarding Chief Hamby’s story, particularly the bravery he showed that day. It's incredibly moving to consider how he stepped into such a dangerous situation alone—something we often don't consider enough when talking about officers of smaller departments. Being the sole officer in Catoosa must’ve come with immense pressure, yet he faced those challenges head-on, dedicating himself to the safety of his community.
His actions on September 1, 1978, remind us of the daily risks faced by law enforcement, especially in small towns where backup isn’t available at a moment's notice. Despite being outnumbered, he didn’t hesitate to confront armed suspects, illustrating a true hero's spirit. It must be a source of pride and pain for his family to remember how brave their father was. My heart goes out to them, especially considering how they’ve had to navigate the complexities of Smith’s case over the years. Chief Hamby’s courage left a lasting impact not just on his family but also on the community he served.
I recently came across the case of Chief J. B. Hamby and felt compelled to share a piece of this tragedy that often goes unnoticed. While much of the focus has been on the crime and the pursuit of justice, I've been thinking about Chief Hamby's sons, James Ray and Mark Wayne. Losing a parent in such a violent and public manner must have been incredibly traumatic for them, especially during their formative teenage years.
Imagine growing up knowing your father died a hero, yet dealing with the void his absence left behind. These young men had to navigate the remainder of their youth without their father’s guidance, carrying the weight of his legacy and the public attention surrounding such a high-profile case. It must have required immense strength and resilience.
The Hamby family’s continuous efforts to ensure that David Gordon Smith remains behind bars shows their unwavering dedication to their father’s memory and their commitment to justice. I truly admire their strength, and it's a stark reminder of how such tragedies leave a lasting impact on families long after the headlines fade. My heart goes out to them, as well as to the community of Catoosa, which has clearly felt the loss of a dedicated protector.