Gail Smith Obituary and death in Berryville remain haunting in the town’s history as many were shocked to know about the murder.
Gail Smith, a former Berryville Town Council member, was at the center of a shocking crime that captured national attention. A team from the A&E cable television channel is headed to Berryville to record an episode of “City Confidential” concerning the death of former Town Council member Gail Smith.
Smith died from a gunshot wound at her Berryville home in July 2009. Five years later, her brother, Timothy Smith Jr., formerly of Burkeville, pled guilty to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and use of a handgun in committing murder.
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Gail Smith Obituary: What Happened To Her?
Gail Smith was a Berryville fixture. But, Before that, the New Yorker had a long and prosperous career as a flight attendant. After retiring in 1993, she moved to Berryville and rapidly established herself as a fixture in the community.
Gail dealt with people with Alzheimer’s, a disease that her Father also had. In 2008, the 59-year-old ran for and was elected to the municipal council.
Her aunt was concerned when Gail did not return her phone calls for many days. Consequently, on July 30, 2009, she requested a welfare check at Gail’s House.
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The officer discovered Gail lying on her back at the entryway, with symptoms of decomposition, from without. Gail had been struck in the head with a pistol shot of caliber.22. in a contact wound. However, neither shell casings nor the murder weapon were discovered at the scene.
They only discovered some artificial flowers, which seemed unusual given Gail’s vast garden. Additionally, it did not appear to be a burglary, raising the probability that it was personal.
Gail Smith: Berryville Murder Case Update
Gail Smith’s life was tragically cut short, and her murder led detectives down a complicated road of family dynamics and intrigue.
Gail had voiced fears about her safety and had suggested her brother, Tim Smith Jr., as a person of interest if something happened to her.
Deborah Smith, authorities found, was the suspected mastermind behind the murder scheme, coaxing her brother, Tim, into carrying out the horrible act.
According to court evidence, the murder was probably over control of the Smith brothers’ Father’s $750,000 estate, according to Berryville Police Chief Neal White.
Tim, in turn, persuaded Tony Sharpe to perpetrate the murder. Tim eventually pled guilty to first-degree murder, conspiracy to conduct first-degree murder and murder with a firearm. He was sentenced to 23 years in jail in 2015.
On the other hand, Deborah Smith was convicted of perjury and sentenced to eight years in prison. The specifics of her involvement in the murder case are not adequately addressed in the available sources, although her role as the mastermind implies high guilt.
Where Are Tim Smith And Deborah Smith? Arrest And Charges Explored
In April 2014, Deborah aged 62, agreed to cooperate and entered a plea of guilty to lying and obstructing justice without violence. She was eventually given an eight-year prison term, but as far as we know, she has already been released.
Since then, Deborah seems to have maintained a quiet profile, with Virginia being her last known whereabouts. Ultimately, Tony admitted and pled guilty to first-degree murder, murder conspiracy, and shooting in the course of a felony.
He was sentenced to 23 years in March 2015, when he was roughly 55. According to prison records, Tim is still detained at the Deerfield Correctional Facility in Capron, Virginia. He will be eligible for parole in April 2033.
In April 2015, he was sentenced to 25 years in jail. Tony, now 35, is still jailed in Sussex I State Prison in Waverly, Virginia. He will be eligible for release in September 2036.