Brenda Smith, 59, was working as a clerk at the D & L One Stop in Parma, Missouri, on the evening of May 18, 2015, when a robbery occurred. She was fatally shot after she reportedly refused to open the store’s safe for the assailant. The Major Case Squad was activated to investigate the homicide.

Authorities arrested a suspect in connection with the killing. Twenty-one-year-old Deion Martin of Parma was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action in the case. The New Madrid County prosecutor announced an intention to seek the death penalty in the matter. Brenda was born September 8, 1955, in Perryville and had moved to Parma after her marriage; she was remembered as a woman who loved her family and enjoyed cooking meals to bring them together.

If anyone knew Brenda, worked at the store, or has information about the robbery that night, please come forward with what you remember.