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Horry County Woman Accused of Killing Husband After Argument Over Finances
HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – A 63-year-old woman is behind bars after being accused of shooting and killing her 64-year-old husband in their Loris-area home.
Laura Smith shot Michael Smith twice in the torso with a handgun, leading to his death, according to an arrest warrant. The warrant also states that an argument over finances is what led to the shooting.
“This is known through physical evidence and statements made by the Defendant [Laura] during a post-Miranda interview,” the warrant says.
Horry County Police were called by Laura Smith around 9pm Sunday to the location on Long Meadow Drive.
Laura Smith was taken into custody by police and said Michael Smith was in the room, according to a police report.
Officers said they found Michael there along with a handgun lying on the ground next to his body.
A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said she saw police take his wife into custody.
She said she was caught off guard because just hours before the deadly shooting she saw Michael and Laura Smith riding in their golf cart with their dog.
“It was completely unexpected when suddenly a dozen police cars appeared with lights flashing and put police tape around the house. It was tragic. You just don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” the neighbor told WMBF News.
The neighbor said she does not believe in the arrest based on conversations she had with the suspect in the past.
“Laura, I knew briefly, but you know she told me several times, ‘I’m happy that my husband loves me so much.’ It’s unbelievable that this happens,” added the neighbor.
Laura Smith is accused of murder.
She is being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bond.
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