Two Life Sentences for Porterville Defendant Who Murdered Parents
Today at the South County Justice Center, the court sentenced Kenneth Charles Smith, age 65, to two consecutive sentences of life without the possibility of parole for the 2015 murder of his parents.
On October 4, 2015, Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in Porterville for a welfare check. Upon searching a semi-trailer on the property, deputies discovered the bodies of an 84-year-old male and an 83-year-old female under a tarp and blankets. Blood was found on the back of the male victim’s head and both victims showed signs of strangulation. It was learned that Smith lived in the trailer.
A few hours later, dispatch received a call from the Lake Isabella area from a friend of the defendant who stated that Smith arrived at his home and admitted the killings. Police arrived soon after and took Smith into custody. Through investigation, law enforcement learned that Smith also admitted the murders to multiple family members.
Throughout the eight years of legal proceedings, multiple competency trials were heard, defense counsel changes were made, and numerous motions were filed including a recusal order later overturned by the 5th Appellate District. At trial on November 14, 2023, Smith was found guilty of two counts of premeditated first-degree murder with the special allegations that multiple murders were committed. The jury deliberated for one hour and seven minutes.
“This heinous crime impacted the community and surviving family in ways we cannot comprehend, and I am thankful for the justice imposed today. My admiration for staff and prosecutors cannot be understated,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “During this eight-year quest for justice, my office and my prosecutors were challenged time and time again professionally and personally. Despite these repetitive and exhausting legal battles, our endurance and our ethical commitment never waned, and we saw justice today. The actions of our staff epitomize the three words on display in my office – duty, honor, justice.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Erica Gonzalez and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Noell Niayesh.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Communications Director Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494