Friday, July 23, 1999
Suspect in slaying said to be suicidal
BY TOM O'NEILL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MILFORD — The slaying of an 88-year-old man was part of a suspected murder-suicide attempt by his daughter, who was his primary caregiver, a Clermont County prosecutor said Thursday.
Sherrie Smith, 53, of Chateau Place is being kept in an area hospital for evaluation. Her wounds are “superficial,” prosecutor Darrell Hawkins said.
Milford police have issued a warrant for her arrest on a charge of murder, which she'll face when she's released. They have not yet questioned her and hope to do so soon, possibly today.
The body of Orris Smith, who lived with his daughter, was discovered by a relative Tuesday afternoon. When police arrived, Ms. Smith was in the apartment in what Milford Police Assistant Chief Larry Lantman described as a “shocklike” state.
“It's sad, really,” Assistant Chief Lantman said. “There were never any complaints from neighbors, or anything like that. It's just very unfortunate.”
He also said that Ms. Smith, who didn't work outside the home, was likely her father's lone caregiver in recent weeks because of the illnesses of other relatives who previously helped out.
Assistant Chief Lantman said they have been cooperative throughout the investigation.
Ms. Smith and her father had lived together for three years since his release from a local assisted-living facility, Mr. Hawkins said. Mr. Smith lived there for about a year after open-heart surgery in the mid-'90s.
Prior to that, the father and daughter lived together in Miami Township for six or seven years, Mr. Hawkins said.
Because of a recent illness, Ms. Smith's brother was unable to contribute to his father's care, as he typically did, Mr. Hawkins said. Alarmed when he didn't hear from them, he went to their apartment, but his knocks on the door went unanswered. A worker in the building let him into the apartment, where they discovered the slain Mr. Smith and his daughter.
Mr. Smith had been dead at least 10 hours, authorities said.
headRESPITE CARE
IS AVAILABLE
The demands of being an adult caregiver can be overwhelming, said Linda Eppler, director of communications and development at the privately run Clermont County Senior Services.
She was unable to say whether the Smiths sought help from the agency, but said such assistance could have included grocery shopping, transportation to doctors' offices, personal home care and Meals on Wheels.
“Sometimes, it's just to come in and do the things the caregiver does, to give them a break,” she said. “There could be financial, physical and emotional stress for the caregiver. It can be very demanding.”
Services are available regardless of income, on a sliding scale. The agency's funding sources include the Clermont County senior levy, state aid and the United Way.
Freedom Center unveils concept
Bush spreads message, collects $1M
Neophytes join political pros at fund-raiser
Clinton appears here tonight
Vaccine could be lifesaver
Need for vaccine 'greater than previously thought'
Newport all-star dies in shooting
Springer for Senate? No firm answer
Flynts get eviction notice
Girl says rape didn't happen, but parole board says 4 more years
Historic home torn down quickly
Man drowns, 2nd hurt in pools
New quarters sometimes get parkers in trouble
Share your feelings about JFK Jr.
Chabot, Portman contributed provisions to tax bill
Going for an Emmy
EMMY NOMINEES
GET TO IT
2 accused as prostitutes face prison
Appeals court to get its own home
Boone lists priorities for road repairs
Cities discuss mergers again
Citizens do lunch with workers, learn how cities work
City may add cops in crime hot spots
City may levy fees on builders
Common-law activist ruled fit for trial in Warren
Ill worker died from choking, coroner rules
Lebanon sues Time Warner
Man claiming to have gun robs bank
Man pleads innocent in Sidney deaths
Packard to lead parade of classic cars
Pipe-bomb case needs new judge
Sewage plant opponents organize
Suspect in slaying said to be suicidal
TRISTATE DIGEST
Urban League of Cincinnati in line for $500,000 grant
