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Stanley Smith was shot and killed in 1977. His body was later found on the grounds of the Stones River Battlefield near an old home on Van Cleave Lane.
The case was first investigated by the FBI due to the body being found on federal park property. However, the cold case ultimately landed in the hands of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, who have yet to solve it.
Reports indicate a possible suspect in the case left town after 26 year old Smith was killed. Now, authorities are trying to find answers so that the family can have closure.
Detective Steve Kohler with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office stated that evidence from the 1977 case has been submitted to the TBI Crime Lab in hopes of recovering new DNA clues.
Detective Kohler said that Smith left behind young children at the time of his death who are now grown men. Kohler talks to one of Smiths sons on a regular basis, who feels he was robbed of having a father early in life and would like to know who killed his dad.
Stanley Smith grew-up on Richardson Avenue; that's a block-long street that connects East Vine on one side with East State Street on the other.
You may have clues from the March 1977 case that could help the authorities. If you have any information, please contact Detective Steve Kohler at the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office. His number is 615-904-3046.
Hear the entire 8 min and 15 sec interview by former District Attorney Bill Whitesell:
Remain Anonymous in reporting information:
- Did you know who Stanley Smith hung out with in March of 1977?
- Do you know where he went or visited on a routine basis?
- Did you know any of Smiths friends who are still alive today?
- Do you know of any friends that Smith had who are now deceased?
- Do you know of anything that Smith was involved in on a regular basis or infrequently?
If you prefer to remain totally anonymous, where not even the police know who you are, you can phone CrimeStoppers at 615-893-STOP (7867). If your tip leads to an arrest and conviction, you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
