Cop, Wife Found Shot to Death In Home

"BRANDON, MS — The Rankin County Sheriff's office is investigating the death of a Hinds County Sheriff's Deputy and his wife.

"They were found dead in their home on 126 Caledonian Blvd. in Rankin County around 9 o'clock Wednesday night.

"Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey confirms that 34-year-old Chris Smith was found with his wife, 27-year-old Amber Smith, in a master bedroom.

"Authorities were responding to a 911 call of shots fired.

"The caller stated that the Smiths two young children came to their house told them their dad may have shot their mother.

"Sheriff Bryan Bailey said, `The deputies responded and secured the house, then learned from the oldest child, the parents had been arguing, they went in a bedroom shut the door and locked it, then they heard two gunshots.`

"When deputies entered the home they found a pistol they believe was used in the shooting.

"Sheriff Bailey says his office is awaiting crime lab results before making a ruling on the manner of deaths.

"The couple's two children were placed in the care of their grandmother.

"Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis says, `It's a sad day for the law enforcement community.` He asks for the public to pray for this family.

"Deputies also responded to a call at the home 10 days ago for a `non-violent domestic issue.`

"Chris Smith has been with Hinds SO since 2004. He was currently working with specialized drug task force.

"Sheriff Tyrone Lewis said, `It's not a good day for law enforcement. Law enforcement is a fraternal organization, that when something like this happens it touches us worldwide so were not pleased with it. Were asking everyone to respect the family, and pray for the family.`"

From wect.com...