In the early morning hours of April 6, 2016, a fire broke out at a residence in the 6100 block of Eaton Avenue in Berkeley, Missouri. First responders arriving at the scene made a grim discovery inside the burning home. Two women were found deceased in separate rooms. One of the victims was identified as 61-year-old Gerry Denise Smith. The other victim was 26-year-old Cierra Owens.
As investigators delved into the circumstances surrounding the fire, a more sinister story began to emerge. It was determined that neither the fire nor smoke inhalation were the causes of death for the two women. Instead, the investigation revealed that both Gerry Smith and Cierra Owens had been shot to death before the fire was intentionally set, leading authorities to classify the case as a double homicide. At the time of their deaths, both women were living in the house with Smith's son.
In the wake of the killings, law enforcement officials began an intensive investigation, seeking to identify the person or persons responsible for these violent acts. Despite their efforts, which included processing the crime scene for evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, no immediate arrests were made in connection with the murders of Gerry Smith and Cierra Owens. To encourage individuals with potentially crucial information to come forward, CrimeStoppers offered a reward of up to $5,000 for any tip that would lead to the felony arrest of those responsible. The case remains unsolved, and the search for justice for the two women continues.
