In the autumn of 2014, a business arrangement between two men in northwest Indiana took a dark and violent turn, ending a man's life over a significant financial debt. David Krawczenia, a 48-year-old male automotive wholesaler from Portage, had a working relationship with Thomas R. Smith, a mechanic from Hobart. Their venture involved Krawczenia purchasing vehicles and Smith repairing them at his Gary auto shop, 'All About Auto,' before they were sold.
Over time, Krawczenia had financed the rent, tools, and other equipment for Smith's business, leading to Smith owing him approximately $16,000.
On November 1, 2014, Krawczenia went to the automotive shop in Gary with the intention of settling this outstanding debt with Smith. This would be the last time his family saw him. After he was reported missing, a grim discovery was made two weeks later. The body of David Krawczenia was found in the trunk of his own vehicle, which had been left at an apartment complex in Griffith. The condition of the remains was horrific; his body had been dismembered, missing its head and arms.
The investigation quickly centered on Thomas R. Smith. A coworker of Smith's later testified that Smith had confessed to the murder on the day Krawczenia disappeared. According to the confession, Smith shot Krawczenia in the back of the head as he was cleaning spent fireworks out of a car's trunk inside the shop. Smith then placed the body in the trunk and moved the vehicle outside.
In the wake of the discovery, murder charges were filed against the then 63-year-old Smith. Following a trial, he was convicted of the murder of his business associate. In April 2018, a judge sentenced Thomas R. Smith to 60 years in prison for the crime. Despite the conviction and sentencing, Smith maintained his innocence, telling the judge he did not commit the murder and that he prayed for Krawczenia daily. His defense attorney stated their intention to appeal the sentence. Subsequent appeals were filed, but Smith's conviction for the 2014 murder was upheld.
