MURDER CHARGE Man pleads innocent in slaying of his wife

If convicted, the defendant could face 15 years to life in prison.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A 42-year-old city man pleaded innocent in court today to a murder.
Timothy Smith, who is being held in the Trumbull County Jail, was indicted Thursday by a Trumbull County grand jury.
Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court set bond at $500,000.
If convicted of the murder charge, Smith could face 15 years to life in prison, court officials said.
He is accused of stabbing his wife, Lizette, multiple times during the early hours of Sept. 24 at the home they shared at 2528 Kenwood Drive S.W.
Moments after the slaying, Smith sped off in a car, eventually crashing into the Peerless-Winsmith Inc. building at 1401 W. Market St, police say.
Smith spent a few days in the intensive care unit of Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. When he was released from the hospital, he was taken to the county jail.
Smith told police that he has been unemployed since April.
His wife was a secretary at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, according to family members.
Other charges
Smith also faces misdemeanor charges of driving under suspension, reckless operation and failing to use a seat belt for what police say was his wild drive from his former home on the day of the killing.
Timothy and Lizette Smith were married two years ago.
sinkovich@vindy.com