In a tragic turn of events on a winter day, Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles Busby Smith, a 29-year-old male, lost his life in the line of duty. The fatal encounter unfolded on January 12, 1981, in a rural area near Kilmichael, Mississippi, when Deputy Smith and Montgomery County Sheriff Billy Costilow attempted to serve a lunacy warrant.
The officers arrived at the residence of Wadell Laney to execute the court order, which required them to transport him for a mental health evaluation.
Laney, however, was resistant and refused to accompany them. As the situation escalated, Laney suddenly turned and opened fire on the two lawmen. In the ensuing chaos, Deputy Smith was fatally wounded, and Sheriff Costilow sustained serious injuries. The gunman fled into the nearby woods immediately after the shooting.
A manhunt was swiftly initiated, and law enforcement officers apprehended Wadell Laney a short time later, approximately two miles from his home. He was taken into custody and subsequently charged with capital murder for the death of Deputy Smith. Following his arrest, Laney cooperated with investigators and led them to the. 22 caliber rifle he had used in the shooting.
Laney's legal journey saw him tried and convicted of capital murder, initially resulting in a death sentence. However, this verdict was later overturned on appeal, leading to a new trial. In the second trial, Laney was once again found guilty of capital murder. This time, the jury sentenced him to life in prison. Wadell Laney remained incarcerated until his death in prison in 2006.
