Prosecutors: Frank Smith killed Theresa Spearman during break-up fight with her daughter

Chase DiFeliciantonio — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:31:08 -0500

Frank Smith / Photo from Chicago Police

BY CHASE DIFELICIANTONIO
Homicide Watch Chicago

Frank Smith kicked in a bedroom door and gunned down his ex-fiance's 46-year-old mother during a break-up fight last month at the women's New City area home.

On Wednesday, Smith was held without bond for the Feb. 28 shooting that left Theresa Spearman dead and her daughter wounded, authorities said.

Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini said Smith's 24-year-old fiance ended their engagement and returned the ring, leading to a fight at the woman's home in the 5400 block of South Laflin Street.

Smith allegedly threatened his now ex-fiance, threw objects around the home then hit her in the face, Santini said. Spearman and another daughter attempted to intervene.

Smith responded by hitting Spearman over the head with a gun and punching the other daughter in the face, Santini said. Spearman retaliated by allegedly breaking a bottle over Smith’s head.

Smith opened fire on the family -- shooting Spearman in the back and wounding his ex-fiance, Santini said. After being shot, Spearman barricaded herself in a bedroom with her wounded daughter.

An enraged Smith kicked in the bedroom door and opened fire again, Santini said. Smith allegedly shot his ex-fiancé in the back, head and foot then fatally shot Spearman in the chest.

Spearman was taken to John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where she was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. The ex-fiancé was also taken to Stroger Hospital, where she was treated for gunshot wounds, Santini said.

Smith fled with the gun and called his ex-fiancé from Indianapolis to threaten to kill the rest of her family, Santini said. Indianapolis authorities arrested Smith and he was extradited to Chicago, where he was identified in a physical lineup.

Smith, of the 5100 block of South Loomis Boulevard, was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder for a February shooting in the New City community, police said.

Frank Smith | Homicide Watch Chicago

Prosecutors: Frank Smith killed Theresa Spearman during break-up fight with her daughter