Web Desk
A Houston court sentenced Ryan Mitchell Smith, 29, to life in prison for killing his father, Cameron Smith, in January 2022.
The brutal crime, carried out with a 15-pound dumbbell, shocked the community.
Smith was convicted of murder after a six-week trial. His father’s body was found hidden in the garage of his Memorial-area home after relatives reported him missing.
At the time, Smith was out on bond for robbery and stabbing a Houston police K-9.
During sentencing, the victim’s wife, Krissy Johnston, delivered an emotional statement, calling Cameron the love of her life.
She told Smith that he would finally face the consequences of his actions.
Prosecutors argued that Smith had a violent history and should be held accountable.
His defense team claimed that a mental health episode triggered the killing, but the jury rejected the insanity defense.
Judge Josh Hill acknowledged Smith’s mental struggles but emphasized the severity of the crime.
Smith will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
