Thursday, August 26, 2010

Bermuda Dunes, CA: Man Accused of Killing Bermuda Dunes Wife Pleads Not Guilty

Reported by: KPSP Local 2 News
Email: news@kpsplocal2.com
Created: 8/25 2:17 pm
Last Update: 8/25 5:13 pm
A Bermuda Dunes man accused of fatally shooting his wife of 38 years during a domestic dispute has pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge.

Garey Lee Smith, 55, faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted of killing his 63-year-old spouse.

He entered the plea Wednesday in an Indio courtroom.

Sandra Smith was found shot dead in the home she shared with Garey Smith late Sunday night, after police apparently got a call from Smith himself, admitting the crime, according to Michael Jeandron of the Riverside County District Attorney's office.

"Late Sunday night...Smith called 911 and told the dispatcher that he had just shot his wife five times and that she was dead," Jeandron said. "The victim was pronounced
dead at the scene by responding medical personnel."

Police were on scene nearly all of Monday, Aug. 23, to clear the scene and investigate.

Smith remained in custody at the Indio jail in lieu of $1.5 million bail, according to jail records. He's to appear in court again on Sept. 3.

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