Collegedale: Man indicted in drunken driving death of stepmother

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

photo Michael Larry Smith

A 37-year-old man has been indicted for vehicular homicide and other charges in the death of his stepmother.

Michael Larry Smith faces an arraignment before criminal court Judge Rebecca Stern on June 1 on charges of vehicular homicide, driving on a revoked license, possession of marijuana, violation of open container law, failure to maintain lane and driving under the influence, according to court records.

Collegedale Police Chief Brian Hickman told the Times Free Press that 49-year-old Vanessa Smith died when a Ford Ranger driven by Michael Smith ran off the road in the 5800 block of Tallent Road at about 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 20, 2011.

Hickman identified Vanessa Smith as Michael's stepmother.

The truck hit a culvert, then flipped and landed on an embankment. Vanessa Smith was a passenger in the vehicle. Michael Smith was taken to a local hospital for his injuries before being placed in jail custody.

Michael Smith has previous DUI, driver registration and license-related charges from a 1994 incident, according to court records.

In that incident he pleaded guilty and received a one-year suspended sentence, lost his license for one year and was ordered to attend DUI school and pay a $365 fine.

Contact staff writer Todd South at tsouth@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6347.