On March 2, 2023, 27-year-old Seth Gooden-Smith of Polk, Venango County, was shot multiple times and found dead inside a residence on East Main Street in the borough of Eau Claire. State troopers responded to a possible shooting call about 7:40 p.m. and discovered Gooden-Smith deceased at the scene. His obituary describes him as a skilled mechanic who often helped others and wore his heart on his sleeve.

Authorities quickly identified 23-year-old Dakota Brent Hughes of Eau Claire as the suspect. Hughes called 911 to report that he had shot Gooden-Smith with his registered firearm and was at the scene when police arrived; he was taken into custody. The criminal complaint says the shooting followed an altercation after Gooden-Smith entered the home Hughes shared with his mother, who was in a relationship with Gooden-Smith. Hughes was charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault and was held in Butler County Prison after being denied bail at arraignment; the judge moved the felony charges forward to the Court of Common Pleas.

If anyone knew Seth, witnessed events in Eau Claire on March 2, or has information about the relationships described, please come forward.