Joseph Smithers, a 33-year-old White male, was found dead in a creek in Magoffin County on May 26, 2018. The county coroner pronounced him deceased and an autopsy was performed; later information showed he had been shot, and the case was treated as a homicide. The Kentucky State Police have taken the lead and detectives, including Detective Newsome, have worked the investigation.

The community in Gunlock continues to seek answers about what happened to Smithers and who was responsible for the shooting.

If anyone knew Joseph Smithers, saw anything in late May 2018 around Gunlock or Magoffin County, or has information about this homicide, please share what can help investigators.