MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Division of Drug and Crime Control - P.O. Box 568 - Jefferson City, Mo. 65102


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Shawn Griggs
573-526-6236
07042015
July 4, 2015

EMPHASIS: Livonia Man Arrested For Murder, in Tama County, Iowa

Captain Eric T. Olson, director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces the arrest of Bruce Smith Sr. for the murder of Jani Smith.

On Friday, July 3, 2015, at the request of Putnam County Sheriff Jason Knight, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control began conducting an investigation into the death of Jani Smith. On July 3, 2015, Jani Smith was found dead inside of her home, in Livonia, Missouri. During the investigation Jani’s husband, Bruce Smith Sr. was identified as a suspect and other law enforcement agencies were informed he was wanted. On Saturday, July 4, 2015, Deputies of the Tama County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office located Bruce Smith Sr. and he was taken into custody.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control filed a probable cause statement with the Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney for the arrest of Bruce Smith Sr. 57, of Livonia, Missouri, for the murder of Jani Smith, 56, of Livonia, Missouri. Smith has been formally charged with 1st Degree Murder by the Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney and is currently being held at the Tama County jail, in Iowa, on a $250,000 cash only bond. Arrangements are being made to transport Smith back to Missouri.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.