Richard Smalley, 60, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed on October 27, 2017. He had worked in Penn State’s Chemistry Department for 25 years and was active in local organizations; he is survived by his wife Cathie, daughter Nicole, and two grandchildren.

The shooting occurred at the home of his nephew, Ardell Gross, in Pleasant Gap. Gross was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault. At trial Gross claimed self-defense; the jury rejected that claim and found him guilty of first-degree murder. The jury’s verdict followed less than three hours of deliberations, and testimony included an emotional account from Nicole Smalley about the last phone conversation with her father.

The killing deeply affected the community. If anyone knew Richard, his movements that night, or has information about the events at Gross’s Pleasant Gap home, please share what is known.