FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — A Franklin County man has been arrested for the murder of his wife in 2021.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, on March 9, 2021, at 2:45 p.m., troopers responded to a woman laying on the ground outside of a home with a gunshot wound. According to the affidavit of probable cause, a black semi-automatic handgun was located directly beside the victim.
Troopers later identified the victim as Rhonda Mae Smith. It was determined that she died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head.
Michael Scott Smith Jr., 39, from Saint Thomas, has since been charged with criminal homicide. He was originally interviewed by police on March 29, 2021, and alleged that he had woke up the morning of his wife's murder and listened to music until the couple left together to get cigarettes.
Smith alleged that they drove to a local market when the pair got in a heated argument. He told police that Rhonda picked up a gun inside the car and shot herself in the head while he was away.
An investigation was launched and troopers conducted multiple tests analyzing blood splatter, gunshot residue and the autopsy of Rhonda's body. It was determined that her body had been moved after the gunshot wound.
Police reportedly determined that Smith Jr. discharged the firearm, striking the victim in the head and causing her death.
He is currently being held at Franklin County Prison with his bail denied, awaiting a preliminary hearing.
