Man charged in fatal shooting of his wife Sunday in Independence
An Independence man has been charged in a shooting Sunday that left his wife dead.
Ryan D. Smith, 41, was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said Monday.
On Sunday, Independence police were dispatched to the 3600 block of South Greenwich Lane.
As officers arrived, a black Jeep Wrangler backed out of a driveway near the address.
A man pointed toward the vehicle and yelled, “That man shot my mom,” charging documents said.
Officers pulled the Jeep over and Smith was taken into custody.
Police entered the residence and found a woman who was deceased. She was identified as Daina M. Smith.
One of the woman’s sons told police that Ryan Smith had called him and said, “I shot your mom in the head. I need help,” court documents said.
Family members told police that the victim was unhappy with Smith, whom they alleged was a severe alcoholic. They said she wanted a divorce if he did not quit drinking, court documents said.
Smith told police that his wife had been shot by a stranger and later said he had watched her kill herself, authorities said.
Prosecutors have requested a $100,000 bond.
Daina Smith’s death was the sixth homicide in Independence this year, according to data maintained by The Star. At this time last year, there had been four homicides.
This story was originally published July 27, 2020 at 6:07 PM.
