Kenneth Joshlin Smith, 32, was shot and killed on the night of September 30, 2018, in the Hatchie Bottom area near the Tippah County–Alcorn County line in Mississippi. Smith, an off‑duty State Trooper, had been at a gathering in the woods when Troy Anthony Eaton, 43, arrived and — according to witnesses — was acting erratically and trying to sell methamphetamine. Smith identified himself as law enforcement and asked Eaton to leave; later Eaton returned, sat in his vehicle, and shot Smith in the face, killing him at the scene. Eaton also shot Smith’s brother‑in‑law, Rickie Dale Vick, who suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries.

Eaton fled into the nearby woods and surrendered to authorities after a manhunt that involved state, local, and federal officers. He was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. At trial the jury convicted Eaton of second‑degree murder in Smith’s death and aggravated assault for the attack on Vick; he was sentenced to a total of 40 years, with 30 years to serve. The conviction and sentence were later upheld on appeal.

If anyone was at the gathering or witnessed Eaton’s arrival and actions that night, please share what was seen or heard.