A Mt. Orab woman was murdered in the late evening of Tuesday, Sept. 30 outside her home in Fayetteville, N. C. Her husband has been charged in the murder.

Sergeant Christina Smith, 29, who was stationed at Fort Bragg with her husband Sgt. Richard Smith, 26 was valedictorian of the 1997 class at Western Brown High School. She joined the Army in 2005 after graduating Cum Laude from Xavier University. After serving in Iraq and South Korea, Smith was transferred to Ft. Bragg, where she worked as a Graphic Artist with the 4th Psychological Operations Group.

Smith was killed in a roadway near her home while walking with her husband. Richard Smith initially told officers a man dressed in black attacked them from behind, knocking him down in the process. Smith said he grabbed the attacker but was unable to hold him. During an interview at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, the investigating officers did not observe any injuries to Richard Smith and the officer described Smith as speaking in a “robotic voice” according to a search warrant.

Christina Smith died on the way to the Cape Fear Valley Hospital.

Fayetteville police were told by an un-named individual that Richard Smith had approached the individual and others more than once asking them to murder his wife. Smith then changed his story and said he had made plans with Private First Class Matthew Kvapil, 18, to “try to mug Christina to scare her” according to the search warrant. Smith said he picked up Kvapil, who was dressed as a mugger, Tuesday night and dropped him off in a woods near Smith’s home. The search warrant says Smith then explained that “Kvapil jumped out of the bushes and attacked Christina, Richard said he stood back and watched as Kvapil and Christina struggled for a few moments, he said Christina fell to the ground and Kvapil ran off and then he noticed the blood on her neck and called for 911.” Kvapil stated he ran up behind the couple and stabbed Christina in the neck.

Kvapil said Smith offered him $30,000 to kill someone, and he agreed, but after Smith told him who he had in mind Kvapil said he wanted to back out. Kvapil told police Smith said he had already agreed to do it and “Richard would send someone after him.”

Fayetteville police have arrested Richard Smith and Kvapil in connection with the murder. Both have been charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Kvapil led authorities to a river near the scene of the crime where divers located what Kvapil said was the murder weapon along with other evidence that according to the police report, was provided by Smith.

During a search of the Smith residence police seized 36 edged weapons including knives, swords, and daggers. The search warrant also states Smith may have been involved in fight clubs or role playing groups. Richard Smith and Kvapil were also attached to the 4th Psychological Operations Group.

Lieutenent Colonel John Clearwater said during a press conference there were no indications of prior disciplinary action involving Richard Smith or Kvapil.

“This is a tragedy for our community and all the families affected,” Clearwater said. “On behalf of the command and our soldiers we extend our deep condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Christina Smith.”

Western Brown Superintendent Jeff Royalty said he taught Christina Smith as her band director for four or five years of her school career.

“She was an extraordinary young lady,” Royalty said. “Very smart. She was one of the most cheerful students I have ever worked with. Each day you could depend on her to be in a terrific mood.”

Royalty said Smith was a very dedicated band member and she often volunteered her time to play “Taps” at veteran funerals and help veterans out whenever she could.

“This is a terrible loss for the Western Brown community and I’m sure for everyone she came in contact with,” Royalty said. “We will certainly keep her family in our thoughts and prayers and if there is anything we can do to help please let us know.”