Crime Solvers Central
CSC
262 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Lafayette Smith death by force case profile photo

Lafayette A. Smith

Case from Omaha, NE dated Jan 14, 1909

Victim Details

Lafayette A. Smith

Male

White / Caucasian

Omaha

NE

1909-01-14

31

Lafayette

A. Smith

06/24/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Lafayette A. Smith, a 31-year-old White male Omaha police officer, was shot just after 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 1909, after he rushed toward screams near Ninth Street downtown and tried to arrest a man who had just robbed a woman of her necklace. At the northeast corner of Ninth and Dodge, the suspect fired twice, mortally wounding Smith in the abdomen; even as he fell, Smith managed to return fire and strike the gunman before collapsing and dying within minutes in a nearby doorway. ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Lafayette A. Smith, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (6)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Officer Lafayette A. Smith
  • Reflections for Officer Lafayette A. Smith
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 4 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (2)

    I've been reading up on the tragic murder of Officer Lafayette A. Smith, and I can't help but feel d... ...Read More
    05/31/2024
    It's so tragic to think about the sacrifice Officer Smith made that night. I can only imagine the fe... ...Read More
    10/15/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Lafayette A. Smith

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Omaha, Nebraska

    Eddie Phillip Jr. death by force case in Omaha, NE

    Eddie Phillip Jr.

    Death: Feb 28, 2011
    In the cold of late February 2011, the life of 29-year-old Eddie Phillip Jr., an African-American ma m ...Read More
    Monte Williams death by force case in Omaha, NE

    Monte Williams

    Death: Jun 08, 2007
    In the summer of 2007, the life of Monte Williams, a 24-year-old Black / African American man, was c ...Read More
    Deandre Baker death by force case in Omaha, NE

    Deandre Baker

    Death: Nov 03, 2008
    Deandre Charles Baker, 25, a Black male, was killed on November 3, 2008, in Omaha, Nebraska. His dea e ...Read More
    James Mun death by force case in Omaha, NE

    James Mun

    Death: Nov 19, 2011
    In the fall of 2011, the life of 19-year-old James Mun was tragically cut short in Omaha, Nebraska. . ...Read More
    Marcus Watts death by force case in Omaha, NE

    Marcus Watts

    Death: Oct 24, 2009
    In the early morning hours of October 24, 2009, the life of 18-year-old Marcus Watts, an African-Ame m ...Read More
    Markeise Dunn death by force case in Omaha, NE

    Markeise Dunn

    Death: Nov 26, 2016
    Markeise Dunn, a 16-year-old Black male, was shot late on the morning of November 26, 2016, near 24t 4 ...Read More
    Kentril Edward Banister death by force case in Omaha, NE

    Kentril Edward Banister

    Death: Apr 10, 2010
    In the spring of 2010, the life of Kentril Edward Banister, a 20-year-old Black/African American mal a ...Read More