Orange County – A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday night, April 27th, near the Lawrence/Orange County line, leading to the death of Timothy Tolbert of Mitchell and the arrest of Homer E. Smith, 46, also from Mitchell, for murder. Preliminary findings suggest that Tolbert was fishing with a female companion from Lawrence County when they were approached by Smith, an acquaintance. An altercation ensued between Tolbert and Smith, during which Smith allegedly struck Tolbert multiple times in the head with his fist. Smith fled the scene following the altercation. Despite efforts to save him, Tolbert succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Orange County Coroner. Smith was later located by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at his mother’s residence and arrested for murder. He is currently held without bond at the Orange County Jail. Detectives, led by Detective Tyler Matthew, determined that there was enough probable cause to arrest Smith for murder. The investigation is ongoing, and an autopsy will be scheduled for Tolbert. As with all criminal cases, Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
