Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan announced that Donald Hartung Sr., 58, has been arrested in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on Deerfield Drive on July 31. The victims, all deceased, were Voncile Smith, 77, Richard Smith, 49, and John Smith, 47.
Hartung, the son of Ms. Smith and half-brother of Richard and John has been charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder. State Attorney Bill Eddins said at the press conference that his office will seek the death penalty in the case. Assistant State Attorney Bridgette Jensen will handle prosecution.
Eddins said that Harting has hired local criminal attorney Michael Griffith to represent him.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division, in partnership with the Florida Department Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Attorney were able to use forensic and other evidence leading to Hartung’s arrest. Hartung is being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail.
Eddins said that he expects to present the case to a grand jury in two or three weeks.