"Son Arrested in Murder of Father, Attempt Murder of Mother"

Los Angeles: Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives are investigating the shooting death of Joseph Smith, 78 years of age and the attempt murder of June Smith, 76 years of age inside their residence at 3129 Chadwick Drive.

On Wednesday, November 20, 2002, at approximately 5:50 a.m., the victims were asleep inside their residence, when the suspect entered the residence armed with a handgun. The suspect, 42-year-old Graig Smith, has been identified as the son of the victims who lived in a house to the rear of his parents’ home. The suspect then left the location in his mother’s 1993 Mercury Sable station wagon and drove to his place of employment.

Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and provided the victims with emergency medical treatment. Subsequently Joseph Smith succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. June Smith was transported to USC Medical Center and is listed in critical condition.

Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation at the suspect’s place of employment and took him into custody without incident. Detectives also recovered the victims’ vehicle and the murder weapon used in this crime.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.