Amos Leroy Smail, 60, was shot once in the chest and killed at his US Highway 522 residence in Union Township, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, on the evening of May 10, 2020. He had worked as a welder and as a Hazmat truck driver before retirement and was described as someone who enjoyed music, playing drums, and time with his grandson and his dogs.

A daylong argument between Smail and his 65-year-old roommate, Jay R. Vought, escalated into a physical altercation. A witness at the home said Smail went into Vought’s bedroom, a fight occurred, and later sat in the living room. The witness reported that Vought retrieved a .22 caliber revolver from his bedroom, shot Smail once in the chest, then admitted the shooting and told the witness to call 911. State police found Smail deceased; Vought was taken into custody without incident and arrested.

Vought was charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault. He asserted the shooting was self-defense, alleging Smail had been beating him and had been drinking; after a preliminary hearing the criminal homicide charge was held for court and Vought was denied bail. If anyone knew Amos Smail or was at that address that night, please share what you know.