Wife Faces Murder Charge in Shooting of Off-Duty Officer, GoFundMe Started for Son

An off-duty police officer was allegedly shot and killed by his wife during an argument after leaving a local distillery Saturday night.

According to the Sevierville Police Department, officers responded to a shooting just before 7:30 p.m. on February 1, 2020 at 3099 Winfield Dunn Parkway in Kodak, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Officers found a male victim, identified as 41-year old James Smith, laying on his back and his wife, 37-year old Melissa Smith, kneeling beside him with her hands on his stomach. He appeared to have a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen. Officers noted she smelled of alcohol. A handgun was recovered from the scene.

The Smiths were visiting the area from Soddy-Daisy, Tenn. The couple had reportedly spent several hours at Old Tennessee Distillery Co. in Kodak. They got into an argument after leaving the distillery. James Smith pulled over at the Visitors Center and both parties exited the vehicle. Melissa Smith allegedly returned to the vehicle, retrieved a handgun and shot her husband.

Sevier County Ambulance Service transported Smith to University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

James Smith, known as Chip, was an officer with the Red Bank Police Department. He previously served with the Soddy-Daisy Police Department and Chattanooga Police Department.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Smith’s family during this difficult time,” the Red Bank Police Department said in a statement. “As a law enforcement officer, he devoted himself to protecting the citizens of these communities. For those that ever met him or know him, they know that he was kind and always willing to do anything to help you. His loss will leave a void at our agency and the law enforcement community.”

Melissa Smith is charged with first degree murder and possession of a handgun under the influence. She is held in the Sevier County Jail.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Smiths’ 14-year-old son.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Feature Photo: Chip Smith/Facebook