Joseph Paul

Journal & Courier

A murder suspect reportedly admitted to using a .40 caliber Beretta handgun he carried as a former deputy town marshal, according to court documents filed Monday.

Keith A. Smith, 56, was arrested Saturday in connection to a fatal shooting at a home in Frankfort. Clinton County Coroner Amanda Abbott formally identified the victim Monday as 50-year-old Lisa Smith.

He was advised in court Monday of a 72-hour hold allowing prosecutor's more time to gather evidence. There was probable cause, however, to file a preliminary charge of murder, the judge said.

Before the hearing, Smith hung his head and could be heard sobbing, requesting that a jail guard bring him a tissue. As he was escorted from the courtroom, he said, "Tell everyone I'm sorry."

He was arrested Saturday after police found a body with gunshot wounds at a home in the 700 block of West Green Street.

Smith reportedly called 911 after the incident and holed up inside the home, telling negotiators over the phone that "he shot his wife and had made a terrible mistake," the affidavit states.

After nearly 20 minutes of negotiations, Smith peacefully exited the house. Later, he told investigators that he was in an argument with Lisa Smith when he decided to demonstrate a "suicide pact" between the two, the affidavit states.

The "gun went off and he heard the bang," the affidavit states, realizing "he did not shoot himself."

Rather than check on her, Smith said "he sat on the edge of the bed and smoked a cigarette," the affidavit states.

The affidavit suggests Smith "had no concept of times" while recalling the events of the day. He also was unable to recall how the argument started, saying that it began after Lisa Smith returned from a CVS Pharmacy to buy medicine, the affidavit states.

Smith is being held at Clinton County Jail without bond. He will appear in court again this week once formal charges are filed.

In 2006, he was convicted on charges of obstruction of justice, and dealing and possession of marijuana.