A Texas man, Craig Smith, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife, Vennessa Smith, in February 2024. The crime occurred in Gilmer, Texas, and has left the community stunned.
It was a tragic and horrifying night for the Smith family. Vennessa, 42, was found in her bed, lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries to her head, face, and neck. Nearby, investigators discovered a splitting maul ax—a tool similar to an ax but heavier—that had been used in the attack. According to authorities, their daughter overheard her parents arguing in the next room before the tragedy unfolded.
On the same night, police officers encountered Craig, 41, breaking into a car in Gilmer. His behavior raised immediate suspicion. Officers noted that his clothes were soaking wet on the front but dry on the back. When they asked for his name, he initially lied but eventually admitted his identity. Craig confessed to lying because, as he told the officers, “his wife was dead,” though he denied killing her.
When pressed further, Craig revealed that Vennessa’s body was at their home on Walnut Street. Police rushed to the house, where they were greeted by Vennessa’s mother, who also lived there. She allowed them inside, where they found Vennessa’s lifeless body in her bedroom.
Investigators later pieced together a timeline of the events. The couple’s daughter had sent a text to her mother at 12:55 a.m., asking if she was okay, but Vennessa never responded. Authorities estimate she died about 50 minutes before Craig was found breaking into the car. Evidence collected from Craig’s clothes later tested positive for Vennessa’s blood, confirming his involvement.
Initially, Craig was arrested for an outstanding warrant related to assault on a family member and for giving a false identity. But once police found Vennessa’s body, he was charged with her murder.
Family members of Vennessa attended the court proceedings this week, where Craig pleaded guilty and admitted to the crime for the first time. They expressed relief at his admission but remained heartbroken over the loss of their loved one.
This tragic case has left a lasting impact on the small community of Gilmer, as friends and family mourn Vennessa’s life cut short by a senseless act of violence.
