Van Zandt County Sheriff Joe Carter recently released information involving a murder/ suicide that occurred Labor Day (Sept. 5) in the Whitton Community.

The information released by the VZC Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 12 was as follows: “On Sept. 5, 2022, at approximately 2:44 p.m., the VZC Sheriff’s Office received a call of a welfare concern at a residence in the Whitton Community of VZC. A male subject at the address had sent a text message to a friend that appeared concerning, prompting the friend to notify the sheriff’s office.

“VZC Pct. 2 Constable Heath Burton was the first officer to arrive at the location. Burton located a deceased male and female that were on the back porch of the residence. The female suffered gunshot wounds and the male suffered a single gunshot wound.

“Detectives and deputies with the VZC Sheriff’s Office identified the male subject as Paul Howard Smith, 72, of Canton and his wife, identified as Sally Nan Smith, 66, of Canton. Evidence indicated that Paul Smith shot and killed his wife, Sally Smith, before he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“VZC Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Sandra Plaster conducted an inquest in the deaths. Both of the deceased were sent to the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas for autopsy.”

Carter said, “This was a tragic event for all of those involved. The VZC Sheriff’s Office would like to send their condolences to the Smith family.”