Cody Wade Smith, 33, a Marine staff sergeant from Jacksonville, North Carolina, was found dead inside a burning home near Richlands on August 27, 2016. He and 43-year-old Gregory Thomas Pearce were discovered after a violent confrontation at the house involving Smith, his estranged wife Monica Rose Smith, and Pearce.

According to investigators, Smith arrived that evening carrying a backpack with two handguns, duct tape, rope, lighter fluid and matches, and a large can of gasoline was in his vehicle. Monica had served him with divorce papers on August 11. When she tried to make him leave, he tied her up and used her phone to text Pearce and draw him to the home. Pearce was shot and killed after finding Monica bound; Smith then sprayed lighter fluid on the floor and set the residence on fire. Monica gained control of the handgun used to kill Pearce, fired one shot that killed Cody Smith, then called 911 from the lawn and remained on the line until help arrived.

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the district attorney concluded Monica acted in self-defense and would not be charged; evidence at the scene supported her account and indicated Smith entered the residence with criminal intent, including intent to commit murder. Anyone with information about the events of August 27, 2016, or who knew those involved is asked to share what they know.