Andrew Hintt, a 31-year-old white male from Belvidere, Illinois, was tragically found dead on December 19, 2021, along with his two young sons, Benjamin, aged 7, and Sebastian, aged 5. The Boone County Coroner's Office classified their deaths as homicides, revealing that all three victims had been shot. The discovery was made after the landlord called 911, prompted by concerns from the boys' mother who had been unable to reach Andrew or any other family members.
The family was in the process of moving to California, where Andrew's fiancée and their three younger children were at the time of the murders.
The investigation into the deaths of Andrew Hintt and his sons led to the arrest of Alize Smith, a 24-year-old male from Huntley, Illinois. Smith was charged with three counts of first-degree murder. According to the police, Smith had been with Hintt and his sons on the morning of December 19, the same day their bodies were found. Surveillance footage showed Smith leaving the Hintt residence and removing the Ring doorbell camera. Additionally, Smith was seen driving Hintt's stolen truck on a Chicago tollway. He was later arrested in Michigan after being turned in by a friend.
The Boone County State's Attorney emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation to ensure a fair trial. If convicted, Smith faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole due to the nature of the crime. The case has been a significant focus for the Belvidere community, with many expressing their condolences and support for the Hintt family. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and build their case against Smith.
Andrew Hintt was remembered as a devoted father who was deeply involved in his children's lives. He owned and operated his own meat truck and was described by family members as someone who always put his children first. The loss of Andrew and his sons has left a profound impact on the community, with many mourning the senseless violence that took their lives.
