Billie Louise Smith, born on December 8, 1934, tragically lost her life on March 5, 1973, after being fatally shot in Dayton, Ohio. Billie was co-owner of Old Hickory BBQ, located on East Third Street. On the night of March 4, 1973, she was sitting at the far end of the bar inside the restaurant when an unknown assailant entered and shot her at close range approximately thirteen times.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Billie survived long enough to be taken to the hospital, where she ultimately succumbed during surgery in the early hours of the following day. No other individuals were harmed during the incident, and it was noted that two bullet holes in the wall suggested missed shots as well. Billie did not recognize her assailant, and her murder has remained an unsolved cold case ever since.
Billie had been involved in running Old Hickory BBQ along with her husband, Rodney Smith, and co-owner George Lawson. Her death shocked the local community, especially given her prominence at the well-known restaurant, which had a steady clientele in the area. Although several theories emerged, no definitive suspect was identified, and the lack of an apparent motive made the investigation particularly challenging for the Dayton Police Department. Billie’s case is still open, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office continues to seek information from the public that could help resolve this tragic event.
The community of Dayton, along with Billie’s friends and family, continues to seek justice. Given the brutal and senseless nature of the crime, local authorities have encouraged anyone with information about her murder to come forward, hoping for some resolution in this decades-old cold case.
