Paulus Cornelius Dutch Smit, 57, was found dead outside a Yorba Linda library on December 30, 2011. He was one of three people fatally stabbed in North Orange County that month; the other victims were 53-year-old James McGillivray and 42-year-old Lloyd Middaugh, each found with fatal stab wounds at separate locations in the county. A candlelit memorial was placed at the library after Smit’s body was discovered.

The attacks prompted an intensified investigation as authorities looked for links between the killings and whether they were random or part of a pattern. The community response included the Orange County Rescue Mission distributing flashlights and whistles to help homeless residents feel safer. Smit is survived by his parents Antoinette and Johannes, three daughters, three siblings, and ten grandchildren.

If anyone knew Paulus Smit or has information about the December 2011 stabbings in North Orange County, please share what you know.