Kauffeld guilty of first-degree murder in deputy killing

Fred Kauffeld
Fred Kauffeld

CLARKSVILLE — A Johnson County Circuit Court jury deliberated six hours Friday before convicting Fred Kauffeld of first-degree murder, the lesser charge of capital murder for shooting a law enforcement officer acting in the line of duty, and residential burglary in the May 2015 shooting death of sheriff's Auxiliary Deputy Sonny Smith.

The jury also convicted Smith of second-degree murder, the lesser charge of capital murder for killing Smith while in flight from a burglary.

The jury acquitted Kauffeld of two counts of attempted capital murder for two other deputies in the line of fire when Smith was shot.

Circuit Judge William Pearson said following the jury's verdict he would begin the sentencing phase of the trial this afternoon.

Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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