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Upshur County, Texas News

Gilmer Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Murdering Wife with Splitting Maul Axe

Craig Allen Smith

On February 26, 2024, at 1:43 a.m., a Gilmer, Texas, resident called 911 to report a man attempting to break into their vehicle. Gilmer Police officers arrived within two minutes and located the suspect, later identified as Craig Allen Smith, 40, soaking wet on the front of his clothes but dry on the back.

Initially, Smith lied about his identity but eventually admitted his real name, explaining he had lied because he didn’t want to "get caught up" after his wife’s death. When officers inquired further, Smith denied killing his wife but admitted she had been dead for several hours. He directed officers to their home at 728 Walnut Street.

While Smith was transported to the Upshur County Jail on outstanding warrants for Assault on a Family Member Impede Breath or Circulation and Failure to Identify, other officers responded to the address. There, they discovered the body of Vennessa Renae Smith, 41, lying in her bed in a pool of blood with multiple lacerations to her head, face, and neck. A splitting maul axe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found beside the bed.

The victim’s time of death was estimated at 12:55 a.m., based on a text message sent by her daughter, that was next door, after hearing the argument between the mother and father.  That was approximately 50 minutes before officers made contact with Smith. The daughter never received a response.

Evidence collected at the crime scene, including Smith’s clothing, was analyzed, and the victim's blood was found on Smith’s clothing.

On January 15, 2025, Craig Allen Smith pleaded guilty to Murder in the Upshur County courtroom of Judge Dean Fowler. He was sentenced to 50 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as part of a plea agreement.

The prosecution was led by Elected District Attorney Billy W. Byrd, with Smith represented by defense attorney Brandon Winn. The case was investigated and processed by the Gilmer Police Department, led by Chuck Head, with support from witnesses and forensic experts.

The victim's family, along with law enforcement, were present in the courtroom to witness the sentencing, marking the first time Smith admitted his actions.

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