Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles Busby Smith, 29, was killed on January 12, 1981, near Kilmichael, Mississippi, while attempting to serve a lunacy warrant. Smith and Montgomery County Sheriff Billy Costilow went to the home of Wadell Laney to transport him for a court-ordered mental health evaluation. Laney resisted, then suddenly turned and opened fire; Deputy Smith was fatally wounded and Sheriff Costilow suffered serious injuries. The shooter fled into nearby woods but was captured about two miles from his home and taken into custody.

Investigators recovered a .22 caliber rifle that Laney led them to after his arrest. Laney was charged with capital murder, tried and convicted; an initial death sentence was later overturned and a second trial again found him guilty, with a life sentence imposed. Laney died in prison in 2006.

Did anyone in the area at the time recall seeing activity around Laney’s home that day or know more about the events leading up to the warrant being served?