The Smith Family
72 year old Harry Smith and his wife 73 year old Mary lived in their bungalow in Overbury Close, Northfield which had been adapted for their son who was confined to a wheelchair.
Harold Jr was involved in a serious road accident in 1980 and Mary had devoted her life to caring for him. They also had a daughter, Cathy who lived in another part of Birmingham.
The family were well liked and well known in the area, especially at the now closed Traveller’s Rest Pub.
November 1992
Cathy became increasingly worried that she hadn’t been able to get into contact with her family for a couple of days and decided to report it to the police. When officers arrived at the bungalow and there was no answer to their repeated knocking, they forced their way into the property.
As officers first entered they saw that contents of draws and belongings were thrown all over the floor but there was no sign of the family. That is, not until they entered the master bedroom.
Harry Smith was found lying on the floor with his hands tied tightly behind his back. Mary was lying on the bed, also with her hands tied. Harold was sat in his wheelchair, hands tied and with a sock stuffed into his mouth as a makeshift gag, a dressing gown tie holding it in place. The bedroom was soaked in blood and it was clear they had been dead for a few days, possibly since the last time Cathy had spoken to them.
Cause of death and injuries
All three victims had suffered horrific injuries.
Harry had been stabbed nearly 100 times, possibly as he tried to defend his family. He was also severely beaten on the head with a blunt instrument.
Mary had been beaten and stabbed around the head, neck and chest. There was no evidence of sexual assault but it appeared as though there had been an attempt to remove her underwear.
Harold had suffered from severe stab wounds to the head, neck and chest. He had also been beaten with a club as he sat helpless in his chair.
The murder weapons
Even though no murder weapons were found at the scene, it was decided that they were likely a 5″ bladed kitchen knife and a heavy wooden club.
Investigation
The investigation was intense and difficult. There appeared to be no real motive, this family was well liked within the community with no real ‘enemies’. Despite there being a string of burglaries in the area, no substantial money or items were taken from the home. Also it was surprising that there was no reports of any one going in or out of the property, nor or any screams.
1700 interviews and 350 statements were taken.
Police psychologist Dr Paul Britton concluded that the people responsible for this massacre thoroughly enjoyed what they had done and referred to them as a ‘Silence of the Lambs’ type killer (a movie which had recently come out). He stated that the killer (or killers) needed to be caught or they would strike again.
However, by the 1st anniversary of the killings, only 6 officers were working on this case.
What happened?
There is a few theories around what happened to the Smith family.
Supposedly there were rumours circulating that Harry was a gambler and had recently won a large sum of money. This was all untrue. However most believe that someone who knew Harry or his family had heard these rumours and broke into the home thinking they would take his winnings. This would explain why the bungalow was ransacked, yet nothing was really taken. It is also possible that the suspect (or suspects) killed 1 of the family members in front of the others in an attempt to get them to reveal where the money was hidden.
Another theory is that the killer saw the bungalow was adapted for older people and saw this as a perfect opportunity for an easy burglary, and even murder. It is also believed these killings must have been carried out by more than one person in order to be able to control 3 people, but it is not impossible that the killer did this alone.
The police believed the killer knew the area and the Smith family, and was a young male.
2017
Exactly 25 years later, West Midlands Police appealed for new information on the case and for people to come forward. They stated that with new advanced DNA technology they were reviewing all evidence taken back in 1992.
Detective Inspector Ian Lliffe said “I can’t accept that the person responsible has kept this secret all their life” and believes that they must have told a family member or friend about what they had done.
2020
Now 28 years later, this case still remains unsolved. Despite, over the years, suspects emerging and being questioned, no one has been held responsible for this horrific crime. Advanced DNA technology has also seemingly not led the police any closer to answers.
So will the person (or people) responsible for the brutal killings of this vulnerable and well liked family ever be caught? It is hard to believe that no one knows who is responsible.
Could the police be doing more?
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