Richard Smalley, a 60-year-old man from Bellefonte, PA, passed away on October 27, 2017. He was well-known in his community for his involvement in various local organizations and his love for baseball. Smalley worked at Penn State in the Chemistry Department for 25 years before retiring. He was survived by his wife, Cathie Smalley, his daughter, Nicole Smalley, and his two grandchildren.
The circumstances surrounding Richard Smalley's death were tragic. He was shot and killed by his nephew, Ardell Gross, at Gross's home in Pleasant Gap. Gross was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault. During the trial, Gross claimed that he shot Smalley in self-defense, but the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. Gross was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The case drew significant attention in the local community, and the trial included emotional testimony from Smalley's family members. Nicole Smalley, Richard's daughter, was the first to testify, describing the last phone conversation she had with her father before he was killed. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before reaching their verdict.
Richard Smalley's death was a devastating loss for his family and the community, and the subsequent legal proceedings brought some measure of justice for his loved ones.
