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| Contributed photo Darrel Smith was murdered on Feb. 6, 2008. It’s been seven years since his death, and his killer(s) remains at large. |
By Natalie de La Garza
Staff Writer
WOODLAND — When Darrel Smith was murdered in 2008, the investigatory team was led by Maine State Police Detective John Cote, who said that he didn’t want the case to go cold.
Seven years later, the case is still active and Lieutenant of the Northern Maine Crimes Unit with the State Police, Troy Gardner would not say that the case has gone cold.
“It’s certainly an unsolved case — one that we’re actively working on,” the lieutenant said.
Smith was shot and killed on Feb. 6, four days before his 57th birthday.
He was found in his sawmill adjacent to his home on Thomas Road in Woodland. Initial reports show that Darrel’s wallet and safe were missing from the scene, but the safe, as well as the murder weapon, were later located. Details about the recovered items have not been released, and Timothy Feeley of the Attorney General’s Office stated in an email yesterday afternoon that the office cannot comment on the details or nature of the evidence as Smith’s murder is still an open and active investigation.
In 2009, Darrel’s widow, Barbara, was still looking for her husband’s wallet when out on walks in the spring and summer.
“I cannot begin to explain how a homicide death is so difficult to deal with. It’s completely different than losing a family member naturally,” said Darrel’s widow, Barbara, recently. “Adding to that grief is not having closure after these seven long years.”
Barbara is offering a reward of $40,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Darrel’s murder.
Since the death of her husband, Barbara has planted a memorial flower garden behind the house where his mill once stood, and she travels down to Augusta every year for the Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims in the fall.
Barbara said that she’s fortunate to have been joined by special, close friends who provide emotional support during the annual day of remembrance.
“It’s just good to talk with other families experiencing the same kind of loss,” she described.
Barbara feels strongly that Maine needs to fund the Cold Case Bill (LD 1734).
“Here in Aroostook County, we have such a large area to cover and not enough detectives. They are constantly working on new cases and events daily, not leaving any time to work the older cases,” she explained, mentioning that the state has about 130 cold cases — 13 in The County alone. Lt. Cote, originally leading the investigation, has since been promoted to Commander down at the Houlton Police Barracks.
Investigating officials, as well as Barbara and Darrel’s family and friends, are hoping that anyone with information will come forward.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the State Police at 1-800-924-2261, the Caribou Police Department at 493-3324, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-638-8477.
