WH officer 'no-billed' in shooting

Tuesday, the Smith County grand jury no-billed Whitehouse Police Officer Trent Richardson for the use of deadly force in the shooting of Lynn Smith.

Richardson responded to a disturbance call at 203 Judy St. in Whitehouse on June 5. Smith allegedly was threatening family members and the officer with a large knife. The incident ended with Smith being shot in the chest by the officer as he defended himself and others in the home.

David Smith said his wife had just been released from the East Texas Medical Center's Behavioral Health Center the day before the shooting and was on medication for mental problems she had suffered from for many years.

Richardson was placed on paid administrative leave from the department for over a month following the fatal shooting. He resumed his regular duties about a month ago.

Texas Rangers took on the investigation of the incident, as is the normal procedure when an officer is involved in a shooting. Their reports were given to the grand jury as well as testimony of facts.

After reviewing all of the evidence presented, the grand jury returned with their decision that the officer's actions were appropriate in light of the situation.

Another incident that stemmed from the shooting was the arrest of Smith's nephew, Marty Kindle Davis. He was arrested the day after the shooting when witnesses at the scene and media personnel heard Davis threaten to kill Officer Richardson. The threats were reported to the Smith County Sheriff's Office. These repeated threats led the sheriff's office to make the arrest.

Davis' threats were worsened when it was discovered that he left the scene and drove to a nearby pawn shop to purchase a gun. He purchased a .357 handgun as well as a shotgun.

Davis was charged with obstruction/ retaliation against a peace officer. He has since been released on bond.