Ann Marie Smith, aged 41, tragically lost her life on May 20, 1980, in Los Angeles, California. On that fateful day, she left her home early in the morning and drove to the South Pasadena Police Department, seeking help and protection from her husband, Art Smith, whom she believed was making threats on her life. Unfortunately, the detective she wanted to speak with was not available, so she left a message and proceeded to her workplace, Dee Anne’s House of Beauty.
Shortly after her arrival, a man entered the beauty shop, walked past the cash register, and took her to the storage area where he shot her. Ann Marie Smith died immediately from the gunshot wounds.
The investigation into her death quickly identified her husband, Art Smith, as the prime suspect. Detectives believed that the murder was not a robbery gone wrong, as the killer ignored valuable items in plain view and seemed to specifically target Ann Marie. Family members also suspected Art Smith, citing his fear that Ann Marie was seeking a large divorce settlement. However, there was no concrete evidence linking him to the crime, and the descriptions of the gunman provided by witnesses were vague and inconsistent.
In February 1981, the case took an unexpected turn when detectives received an anonymous tip from the heroin-addicted wife of Charles Persico. She claimed that Persico resembled a composite drawing of one of the murder suspects. Despite the lack of a connection between Art Smith and Charles Persico, the police shifted their focus and arrested Persico less than a month later. Persico was sentenced to six years in prison for the manslaughter of Ann Marie Smith but was released on parole in 1984.
Years later, the true killer, Dennis France, confessed to the murder, revealing that he had been hired by Los Angeles police officer William (Bill) E. Leasure at the request of Art Smith. This confession led to the exoneration of Charles Persico. The case highlighted significant issues within the investigation and the justice system, as an innocent man had been wrongfully convicted while the real perpetrators initially escaped justice.
