Info Sought on 1977 Murder
Relatives of a man murdered 40 years ago still wonder who took his life, robbing his then 2-year-old son with a relationship with his father, a sheriff’s detective said Tuesday.
The body of Stanley Smith, 26, of Murfreesboro, was found March 25, 1977 in an abandoned house near the Stones River Battlefield, said Detective Steve Kohler, who is now investigating the murder. A passerby found his body.
Detectives who investigated and reviewed the case for years did an outstanding job but have not cleared Smith’s murder or brought answers to his family. Kohler is actively investigating with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
“I can’t imagine a mother not knowing why her son was killed,” Kohler said.
The detective hopes people who may have information about Smith’s murder will contact him at 615-904-3046. Callers may remain anonymous.
“If anybody saw or heard anything, even if you think it may not be significant, I would like to hear from you,” Kohler said. “The only thing we are focused on is who killed Stanley.”
People may call Crime Stoppers at 615-895-STOP anonymously between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Crime Stoppers offers a reward up to $1,000 leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.
Kohler hopes advances in technology such as DNA not available 40 years ago may help lead to the killer.
“Hopefully, we’ll get some results back,” Kohler said.
