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Charles Busby Smith

Case from Montgomery, MS dated Jan 12, 1981

Victim Details

Charles Busby Smith

Male

White / Caucasian

Montgomery

MS

1981-01-12

29

Charles

Busby Smith

07/12/2026

Case Description

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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 ...
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Links to Additional Sources (5)

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  • Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles Busby Smith
  • Charles Busby Smith (1951-1981) - Find a Grave Memorial
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    Forum Posts (2)

    Wow, just learning about this, and it's absolutely such a tough situation to comprehend. What's real... ...Read More
    12/03/2023
    I've been looking through some of the archives about Chief Deputy Smith's case, and one question tha... ...Read More
    07/23/2023
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