Saturday, July 25, 2009

Man who killed wife and himself was just released from jail


Posted: July 24, 2009 10:34 PM

Updated: July 24, 2009 11:57 PM

By Julie Straw - bio | email

MCCOMB, MS (WLBT) - We are learning more about the man who kidnapped his estranged wife, shot her to death and then turned the gun on himself. Turns out he has a criminal history and was recently released from jail. The frightening scene played out Wednesday night at the National Inn in McComb.

Michael Smith had served time behind bars for harassing his estranged wife, Kathryn Smith. He was just released Monday, two days before the violent outbreak in McComb. The 42 year old was from Centreville, Louisiana and served time in that state on charges of stalking and harassing his wife and her boyfriend. Before that, Smith had been charged for trespassing and telephone harassment involving Mrs. Smith's boyfriend.

"He served some time in jail, got out of jail within the last couple of days and here we are," said acting McComb Police Chief Gregory Martin.

Here's what police say happened. Wednesday night, Michael Smith followed Kathryn from South Of The Border restaurant in Saint Francisville where she worked. He forced her off the road, kidnapped her and took her to the National Inn in McComb. When she tried to escape to a restroom near the lobby, Smith chased after her. He shot her multiple times before killing himself.

Family members tell police Michael and Kathryn Smith were in the process of getting a divorce.

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