Staff Writer
February 6 will mark the second anniversary of the murder of Darrel Smith. The Woodland resident was discovered dead at his sawmill on the Thomas Road, by his wife Barbara. The unsolved homicide case remains open with investigations continuing. Maine State Police Sgt. John Cote states, “We continue to work this investigation on a regular basis, following up on new information and we remain confident we will make an arrest. We are certainly invested in this case as much as any other.”
Though a missing safe and the murder weapon were recovered, Smith’s wallet, missing from the crime scene, has yet to be found. Sgt. Cote encourages citizens to be aware of this fact and should they discover the item to notify the State Police immediately.
Smith’s wife and family continue to struggle with the unsolved murder and although they are aware that the investigation is ongoing and that the necessity to have solid evidence against an individual(s) prior to an arrest is crucial, the unanswered questions remain very difficult to live with.
“Two years have passed and I cannot begin to explain the sense of loss I still feel since Darrel’s murder,” stated Barbara Smith, “ Some days are harder than others to accept the fact that he is gone. With no closure this nightmare seems never end. I know there are people who know something — would you please, please come forward with this information so that myself as well as family and friends could find an end to this living nightmare.”
“I was hoping the reward offered by the family and the Public Reward might help this happen,“said Smith. “Believe me, myself, our family, friends and the police detectives working the case have not given up. We will get that arrest and closure. I really would like to thank all my family, friends, neighbors and strangers I meet on the street for their kind words of encouragement. This helps me get through each day along with all the wonderful memories we all have of Darrel.”
Sgt. Cote also stated that, “We are very pleased with the support of the community and we continue to work very closely with the members of the Caribou Police Department who have done an excellent job, regarding this ongoing investigation. This isn’t just the State Police involved in solving this death, it is combination of the CPD and the Sheriff’s Department, as well as probation and parole. Everyone is kept informed and all information is flowing well, again it’s not just the Maine State Police but all law enforcement agencies that are involved.”
Sgt. Cote also reminds citizens that if they have or discover any information pertaining to this case, they should contact authorities immediately.
Barbara Smith stated that the Public Reward, which was put into place last fall is now at $12,475, reminding individuals that this is separate from the $40,000 reward money offered by Smith’s family.
The Darrell Smith Public Reward Fund, Inc. offers a chance for private citizens or organizations to donate to a reward fund. All monies donated will be held in an account at the Aroostook County Federal Savings and Loan Association. If the reward is not needed, all donations will be refunded. As with the $40,000 reward, this public reward fund is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this murder. This is a non-profit corporation and donations are tax deductible.
Donations to the public reward fund may be mailed to Aroostook County Federal Savings and Loan Association, P.O. Box 808, Caribou, Me. 04736.
