Norma Smith, 77, was shot to death at her Ridge Farm, Illinois, family home on July 25, 2022. Deputies from the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department found her with a single gunshot wound to the head; a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun was found next to her body. Her husband, 76-year-old Don Smith, called 9-1-1 and told the dispatcher he had just shot and killed his wife. Officers took him into custody without incident and he gave a full confession, saying he believed Norma was stealing money to go on a trip with another person.

The Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office handled the case. Family at the hearing thanked deputies and prosecutors for their work. This small community is left confronting the loss and the domestic circumstances that preceded it. If anyone knew Norma or has information about the events leading up to July 25, 2022, please come forward.