Horry County woman accused of killing husband after argument over finances

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - A 63-year-old woman is behind bars after being accused of shooting and killing her 64-year-old husband at their Loris area home.

Laura Smith shot Michael Smith with a revolver twice in the torso, leading to his death, according to an arrest warrant. The warrant also states an argument over finances is what led up to the shooting.

“This is known through physical evidence and statements made by the Defendant [Laura] during a post-Miranda interview,” the warrant reads.

Horry County police were called by Laura Smith around 9 p.m. Sunday to the scene on Long Meadow Drive.

Laura Smith was taken into custody by the police, and she told them Michael Smith was in the bedroom, according to a police report.

Officers said they found Michael there along with a revolver lying on the floor next to his body.

One neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said she saw police take the wife into custody.

She said she was caught off guard because just hours before the deadly shooting she saw Michael and Laura Smith riding on their golf cart with their dog.

“It was totally unexpected when all of a sudden a dozen police cruisers came with flashing lights and put up crime tape around the house. It was tragic. You just don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” the neighbor told WMBF News.

The neighbor said she’s in disbelief by the arrest based off conversations she had with the suspect in the past.

“Laura, I just knew briefly, but you know she told me several times, ‘I’m glad my husband loves me so much.’ To have this happen is unbelievable,” the neighbor added.

Laura Smith is charged with murder.

She is being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center under no bond.

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