In the quiet town of Clinton, South Carolina, the life of 40-year-old Kimberly Smith, a devoted mother, was violently cut short on March 10, 2017. After working a night shift, the female licensed practical nurse was resting in her bed when her estranged husband, Clinton Anthony Smith, forcibly entered her home. The couple had been separated for about four weeks following a dispute.
Just before the tragic incident, Kimberly had asked her son to ensure the door was locked as he left.
Her son and daughter, who were at a nearby house, heard gunshots and immediately called 911. They also witnessed Clinton Smith's vehicle leaving the scene. Law enforcement officers who responded to the call found that the door to the home had been kicked in and discovered Kimberly Smith had been fatally shot four times.
The investigation into Kimberly's death was swift. Law enforcement located Clinton Smith and, after he confessed to the crime, he was arrested. In October 2018, Clinton Anthony Smith, then 42, pleaded guilty to the murder of his estranged wife. A judge sentenced him to 37 years in prison. Under South Carolina law, he is not eligible for parole or early release and must serve the entire sentence.
