On November 16, 2015, a tragic and deceptive event unfolded in Millersburg, Oregon, resulting in the death of 57-year-old Kenneth Arlen Samard. The incident began when a hysterical Roberta Samard, Ken's wife, called 911 and admitted to dispatchers that she had shot her husband before police even arrived at the scene. When police reached the Samard residence, they found Ken Samard dead on his back porch, with a gun discovered inside near the back door.
Roberta Samard, who was 62 years old at the time, presented a complex and initially believable narrative. She claimed that she had been trying to kill herself due to severe depression and financial troubles, but accidentally shot her husband instead. According to her account, Ken had left for work but returned unexpectedly, leading to the fatal incident. However, her story was riddled with inconsistencies and deceptions. During an interview with police, Roberta mentioned her deep sadness and depression, stating that she couldn't face the impending loss of their home due to financial difficulties. She insisted that she was attempting to shoot herself, not her husband.
As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Roberta's narrative was a fabrication. Police discovered that Roberta had been hiding significant financial troubles from Ken, including the fact that their home had been sold without his knowledge. A local house flipper, Brian Smith, came forward after seeing Roberta's arrest on television and revealed that he was the actual owner of the Samard's home. Smith confirmed that Roberta had worked with him to extend their stay in the house, but Ken was unaware of the eviction and the sale of their home. The day of Ken's death was supposed to be the day they were scheduled to move out, yet there were no moving boxes present, further indicating Roberta's premeditation.
The autopsy performed on November 17, 2015, provided crucial evidence that dismantled Roberta's claim of an accidental shooting. The autopsy revealed no gunshot residue on Ken's hands, suggesting that he did not attempt to grab the gun or interfere with Roberta. The wound on Ken indicated that the gun was fired with Roberta's arm outstretched, and the gun's trigger was found to be difficult to pull, requiring a significant amount of force to discharge. These findings strongly suggested that the shooting was intentional rather than accidental.
Roberta's deception and the evidence gathered led to her arrest and subsequent trial. In April 2017, a jury found Roberta Samard guilty of murdering her husband, Ken. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison and is scheduled for release in 2040 at the age of 87. The motivations behind Roberta's actions remain a subject of speculation, with some believing it was a planned murder-suicide to spare Ken the embarrassment of losing their home, while others suggest that the pressure from her web of lies and deception led her to snap.
Ken Samard, born on January 25, 1958, in Albany, Oregon, to Arlen 'Dusty' and Eileen Samard, had a life marked by both joy and tragedy. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nichol Ann, and his death left a profound impact on his loved ones, who continue to grapple with the aftermath of his murder.
In summary, Roberta Samard's elaborate deception and intentional actions led to the tragic death of her husband, Kenneth Arlen Samard. Her arrest, trial, and subsequent conviction underscore the complexity and deceit that characterized her crime.
