Texas Murder Suspect Arrested in Daytona Beach Shores

Date Added: February 24, 2017 10:02 am

Lt. Michael Fowler
386-527-8273

TEXAS MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED IN DAYTONA BEACH SHORES

On 02-23-2017 at around 10:41 p.m., officers of the Daytona Beach Shores Dept. of Public Safety located a fugitive who was wanted for a murder that occurred in Texas.

Joe Earl Smith, 08/29/1966, was found sleeping in a white 1993 Ford Explorer in the parking lot of the office building located at 2970 South Atlantic Avenue.  Officers recognized the vehicle from a BOLO issued earlier in the day by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Crime Center. Smith was taken into custody at the scene. He offered no resistance.

While awaiting confirmation on the Marion County, Texas warrant, Smith told officers he had shot his uncle over a land dispute in which his family had been evicted. He said that he had driven to the area after the shooting to attend the races.

Smith was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail with no bond.

For any additional information, contact Lt. Michael Fowler at 386-527-8273. A copy of Smith is attached.  No video will be released as this is an ongoing investigation.