Murder charge expected today against husband

A Hungry Horse man suspected of murdering his wife on Sunday is expected to be charged today with deliberate homicide, according to the Flathead County Attorney's Office.

Charles Glenn Smith, 50, was arrested Sunday in connection with the shooting death of Jody Smith, 46.

The incident occurred just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday at a home in the 100 block of First Avenue West North in Hungry Horse, according to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

Jody Smith reportedly was sitting in a chair knitting or sewing when she was shot four times in the chest and abdomen with rounds from a 9-mm pistol. One of the rounds went through her forearm first, but that did not indicate she was in a defensive position, investigators said.

After the shooting, Charles Smith reportedly called 911 and said he had shot his wife.

When officers arrived, Smith was out on the front porch, unarmed, and surrendered peacefully.

Jody Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting appears to have occurred after an escalating argument, Sheriff Mike Meehan said. Alcohol was involved.

Jody Smith's body was taken to the state crime lab in Missoula for an autopsy.

There were no other people in the house at the time of the shooting. The couple reportedly had no children together, but Jody Smith has adult children from a prior relationship, Meehan said.

Deputies are attempting to determine if it was even legal for Charles Smith, who has a criminal history, to own a handgun. Besides the alleged murder weapon, several other guns were found inside the house.

Meehan said the investigation is wrapping up, but evidence continues to be processed. Smith already has made a statement to law officers.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden may be reached at 748-4441 or by e-mail at [email protected]