On October 16, 2011, 89-year-old Harry Smith was brutally murdered in his home on State Route 772 in Chillicothe, Ohio. Smith, a World War II veteran and lifelong resident of Chillicothe, died of blunt force trauma, and investigators believe that one or more assailants broke into his home and attacked him. Following the homicide, the perpetrators set fire to the residence in an apparent attempt to cover up the crime. Smith's son, Jerry Smith, discovered the fire when he visited his father's home, initially thinking it might have been the cause of his death, but it was later confirmed that Harry had been murdered before the fire was set.
Smith's death shocked the community. He had been a well-known figure, working as a Walmart greeter in his later years and was fondly remembered for his love of painting and spending time with his extended family, which included grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Investigators have suggested that robbery may have been the motive for the crime, as several items were reported missing from the residence. Despite this, no suspects have been publicly identified, and the case remains unsolved.
The Ross County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), continues to investigate the case. Authorities, along with the Smith family, have made public pleas for assistance and are offering a reward for information leading to a conviction. Currently, multiple rewards are available, including up to $5,000 from the Ohio Fire Marshal's Office and another $5,000 offered by the Smith family, hoping that someone might have crucial information that could bring justice and closure to the family. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Ohio BCI or the Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers tip line.
