Vernon Smith murdered or death by force in Aliso-viejo, California.

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Case Description

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Vernon Smith, aged 45, tragically lost his life on October 29, 2005, in Aliso Viejo, California. The incident was part of a shocking murder-suicide that left the community in disbelief. On that fateful day, 19-year-old William Freund, a neighbor described as a "loner," entered the Smith family home and fatally shot Vernon Smith and his 22-year-old daughter, Christina Smith. Freund, who was wearing a paintball helmet and a dark cape, then returned to his own home and took his own life. The motive ...Read More

Links to Additional Sources (10)

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Motive in Shootings Is a Mystery - Los Angeles Times

Neighbors mystified by deadly rampage - Orange County Register

...View 8 additional sources

Victim Details

name

Vernon Smith

gender

Male

city

Aliso-viejo

state

CA

Date of Death

2005-10-29

Age at Death

45

First Name

Vernon

Last Name

Smith

Last Updated

11/22/2025

Forum Posts (2)

I've been following the Aliso Viejo case, and it's just so hard to make sense of everything. It’s ... ...Read More
07/04/2024

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the unlocked door at the Smiths' house that day. It feels ... ...Read More
10/24/2023

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