Flames in the Fog: The Murder of LaQuinta Smith

Episode 133

In the early morning hours of May 20, 1999, a police officer spotted smoke pouring from a home in North Bend, Oregon. Inside, he discovered LaQuinta Smith unconscious in her bed. Despite his efforts to save her, LaQuinta was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

What initially appeared to be a tragic accidental fire quickly became something far more troubling.

Investigators discovered suspicious circumstances surrounding the furnace where the fire appeared to have originated, an open bottle of sleeping pills, and autopsy findings that challenged the initial assumption that LaQuinta had died from smoke inhalation.

As detectives examined her personal life, their attention turned to her estranged husband, Alby Smith. Conflicting accounts of their relationship, two missing rings, and questions about Alby's whereabouts raised new suspicions. But how much of the evidence pointed toward murder, and how much was open to interpretation?

In Part One of this two-part series, we explore the investigation into LaQuinta's death, the troubling allegations that emerged, and the difference between the compelling story presented in a true-crime documentary and the evidence required to prove guilt in a courtroom.

Because suspicion isn't the same as proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

And when a jury ultimately reaches a verdict, the question isn't simply whether you agree with the story you've heard.

It's whether you would have reached the same conclusion.

Join us next week for Part Two, when we examine the trial, conflicting testimony, and the fire science behind the case.

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Inner Sanctum Acknowledgments:
Eternal gratitude to our Inner Sanctum patrons, Melanie Curtis, Beth Charis-Molling, and Brett Russ for helping us bring light to the stories others would rather leave in the ashes.

Listener discretion is advised.

Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 

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SOURCES:

1. “Burning Obsession.” Exhumed: Killer Revealed, Season 2, Episode 5. May 29, 2022. Viewed on Fandango at Home.
   https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Exhumed-Killer-Revealed-Burning-Obsession/2040880

2. Sirocchi, Andrew. “Smith Gets 32 Years.” The World, June 30, 2021.
   https://theworldlink.com/smith-gets-32-years/article_e638b6a8-fcc4-5f9b-8f0e-44920d677c84.html

3. Sirocchi, Andrew. “Counselor Testifies Wife Had a Temper.” The World, June 15, 2001.
   https://theworldlink.com/counselor-testifies-wife-had-a-temper/article_e337deb7-9c1d-5581-8555-40bba36bca27.html

4. Sirocchi, Andrew. “Murder Trial: Federal Agent Says Fire Scene Altered.” The World, June 13, 2001.
   https://theworldlink.com/murder-case-moving-more-quickly-than-expected/article_2b988284-1efb-56d7-b066-7078ae8a03a4.html

5. Sirocchi, Andrew. “Testimony Focuses on LaQuinta Smith’s Rings.” The World, June 14, 2021.
   https://theworldlink.com/testimony-focuses-on-laquinta-smiths-rings/article_7ed44866-f7eb-5dcd-931a-a6993d48f71c.html

6. “Court Rejects Smith Convictions Appeal.” The World, March 13, 2004.
   https://theworldlink.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/court-rejects-smith-convictions-appeal/article_17855d76-3cc9-5b51-9359-0aff5bdb5373.html

7. Sirocchi, Andrew. “Jury Finds Alby Smith Guilty.” The World, June 21, 2001.
   https://theworldlink.com/jury-finds-alby-smith-guilty/article_15a2ddde-baa4-5c6d-a8af-1c3eddde6721.html

8. Alby Ardell Smith, Petitioner-Appellant, v. Guy Hall, Respondent-Appellee. Appeal from the United States District Court for the District of Oregon. Submitted January 10, 2012.
   [Link not provided]

9. Sirocchi, Andrew. “Family, Friends Grieve Victim as Trial Begins.” The World, June 7, 2001.
   https://theworldlink.com/family-friends-grieve-victim-as-trial-begins/article_0c96b13b-7449-55b3-b4b6-e80677f68167.html

10. Sirocchi, Andrew. “Murder Case Moving More Quickly Than Expected.” The World, June 12, 2001.
    https://theworldlink.com/murder-case-moving-more-quickly-than-expected/article_2b988284-1efb-56d7-b066-7078ae8a03a4.html