Frances Smith, a 61-year-old woman from Greensburg, PA, tragically died on February 12, 2017, at her residence. She was born on April 2, 1955, and was the youngest daughter of Clarence O. Smith Sr. and Helen L. Lipko Smith Martin. Frances was employed at SuperValu for many years and was known for her fun-loving and free-spirited nature. She was a social member of the Midway-St.
Clair VFD Club and was deeply loved by her family and friends.
Frances Smith's death was initially reported as a suicide by her boyfriend, Allen Trent, who claimed that she shot herself after a night of drinking. However, investigators found inconsistencies in Trent's story and physical evidence at the scene. After further questioning, Trent admitted to shooting Frances Smith during an argument. He claimed that the gun went off accidentally when she grabbed his arm. Trent was charged with homicide and later pleaded guilty to third-degree murder. He was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison.
The case deeply affected Frances Smith's family, who described her as a happy-go-lucky person who loved life and made everyone around her laugh. Her brother, Raymond Smith Sr., expressed the family's grief and desire for justice. Despite the plea bargain, the family hoped for a longer prison sentence for Trent.
Frances Smith's death was a tragic loss for her family and friends, who remembered her as a vibrant and caring individual who will be deeply missed.
