Kenny L. Smith Sr., a 68-year-old man from Salisbury, NC, was found dead in his home on June 24, 2014. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office was called to check on his welfare after family members were unable to reach him. Upon investigation, it was determined that Kenny Smith Sr. had been murdered. His financial card was missing, which led authorities to believe that robbery was also a motive.
The investigation quickly led to Kenny Smith Jr., the victim's 44-year-old son, who was found
dead in a Charlotte motel room later that day. Authorities believe that Kenny Smith Jr. killed his father and then committed suicide. Arrest warrants were issued for Kenny Smith Jr. on charges of felony robbery and murder. The case was classified as a murder-suicide.
The tragic incident shocked the community, as neighbors reported that the Smiths were mostly reclusive and kept to themselves. The home where the murder took place was located on a quiet cul-de-sac, and neighbors did not notice anything suspicious prior to the discovery of the crime.
The case was handled by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, and the investigation concluded with the determination that Kenny Smith Sr.'s death was a result of foul play by his son. The financial card that was missing from the scene was a key piece of evidence that linked the son to the crime.
The community mourned the loss of Kenny L. Smith Sr., who was remembered as a good man and a good friend by those who knew him. His memorial service was held on June 28, 2014, at Summersett Memorial Chapel, and he was laid to rest at Oakboro City Cemetery.
