Kendra Diane Smith, Enid, Oklahoma first grade teacher at Coolidge Elementary shot and killed by estranged husband, Jeffrey Len Smith, found dead from suicide at nearby gas station. No known motive. Victim leaves behind 3 children.
A first grade school teacher in Enid, Oklahoma was shot and killed at the hands of her estranged husband, who then turned the murder weapon on himself according to authorities.
Kendra Diane Smith, a 53-year-old first-grade teacher at Coolidge Elementary, was shot multiple times at her residence at the hands of her estranged husband, 56-year-old Jeffrey Len Smith of Oklahoma City, who was found deceased in his car at a nearby gas station.
Multiple gunshots heard at Enid first grade teacher’s home
Police said officers responded about 7:50 p.m. March 4 to reports of gunfire at 23rd and Cedar. Neighbors said they heard gunshots near Kendra Smith‘s home and took cover.
Police said they found Smith with multiple gunshot wounds, and she was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead, KOCO reported.
During the investigation, officers learned of a possible suspect, who was the shooting victim’s estranged husband. The suspect gunman was later located dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound inside his vehicle at Love’s Travel Stop, KFOR reported.
What led to Enid teacher’s estranged husband targeting her?
News of the tragedy, which took place less than two miles from the school where Smith taught led to the school superintendent describing the first grader teacher as ‘a cherished part of their school family, who loved her students.’
Enid Public Schools said counselors would be available for students and staff and called Smith’s death a ‘devastating loss’ for the district.
A family friend described Kendra Smith who awarded teacher of the year in 2021 as a ‘beautiful person inside and out,’ KOCO reported.
Police said they are still looking into what led to the apparent murder-suicide, as the investigation remains ongoing.
A GoFundMe was organized to support Smith’s family. She was survived by three children and two grandchildren.
