One man is in Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office custody and charged with criminal homicide following the death of his wife from an apparent gunshot wound.

According to sheriff’s office personnel, on Tuesday, Jan. 1, EMS and Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported suicide.

Detectives with CCSO also responded to the scene.

Michelle Renee Smith, 50, had been shot and killed in what investigators were told was a suicide.

“Evidence discovered during the initial investigation suggested that the gunshot wound was unlikely to have been self-inflicted,” sheriff’s office personnel stated in a press release. “Following the interview of witnesses, who were present at the time of Smith’s death, the victim’s husband, Bill J. Smith was arrested.”

Bill Smith, 43, is currently being held at the Claiborne County Jail on the charge of criminal homicide.