Samuel Joseph Smith, 38, was shot and killed on March 30, 2024, along KY-550 near the Perry–Knott county line in Kentucky. Smith, a resident of the Dwarf/Fisty area and known to friends and family as Sammy Joe, was taken to Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Center but died of his injuries.

Initial reports described two male suspects fleeing the scene on a blue ATV into Knott County. Perry County authorities investigated, and one man, Johnathan Proffitt, was arrested in nearby Letcher County and charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence; Proffitt was reportedly a passenger on the ATV and is accused of firing the fatal shot.

The community is left mourning Smith’s sudden, violent death while legal proceedings move forward. If anyone who knew Samuel Joseph Smith or saw activity along KY-550 that night has information, please come forward to assist the investigation.