For the second time in less than a month, police are investigating a death in the Martinsburg area.
This time it is a suicide of a man found dead in his home in Martinsburg on Thursday morning. Robert Todd Smith, 42, Martinsburg, was found dead yesterday morning. He had shot himself in the head.
Thursday morning shortly after 8:30 am, officers were called to 10382 Bixler Road in Washington County in reference to a deceased male.
When officers arrived they discovered the body of Smith, 42, of Martinsburg in Washington County.
An autopsy was performed this morning on Smith at the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville, KY.
The autopsy preliminarily determined the cause of death as a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The official and final determination of the cause of death to Robert Todd Smith will not be made until the autopsy results are complete which typically takes up to six weeks.
This investigation is continuing with the help of Jeff Thomas, Pekin Town Marshall, and the Washington County Sheriff”s Department.
Just a few weeks ago, ISP and Washington County Sheriff’s Department personnel responded to a 911 call regarding the death of Kristi Williams, 41, who was found dead after her boyfriend, who has never been officially named, reported an emergency at the home.
Indiana State Police said Williams died of severe trauma to the neck but no official cause of death has been reported in that case, as complete results are being awaited from the medical examiner’s office.
There is no word if the two incidents are related.
Smith worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad as a foreman conductor.
He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Chapter 28. He also served as a volunteer for the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department where he was chief. He then went on to serve for the Monroe Township Fire Department and according to his obituary, released this afternoon from the Love Funeral Home in Palmyra, “very proud of being a volunteer firefighter.”
Smith is survived by his stepfather and mother, Forrest and Beverly Terhune; a brother, Tyler Smith, and sister, Morgan Smith; one uncle, Morris Rousey, and his family; father, Carl Smith.
Funeral services will be held at Love Funeral Home on Monday, May 19 at 11a with a visitation beforehand at 9a. Visitation will also be on Sunday, May 18 from 3-8p. Burial will follow at the Martinsburg Cemetery.
