Webster Parish deputies are investigating the deaths of former Registrar of Voters 63-year-old Melanie Smith and her husband, 58-year-old Kenny Smith. Sheriff Justin Parker says the couple was found dead in their home on State Highway 528 shortly after 8 p.m. during a welfare check.
“When our deputies responded and arrived on the scene we located the bodies of Mrs. Melanie and Kenny Smith in the residence.”
Parker stated that the bodies have been sent to Little Rock for autopsy as the investigation into the circumstances of their deaths continues.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and were just trying to come to a conclusion on why and how this happened and bring some closure to the family.”
Melanie Smith retired in December 2020 after a 29-year career in the Registrar of Voters’ office, serving as chief deputy and later as registrar from 2003. Kenny Smith was a retired local businessman whose family sold their Dixie Inn business. Parker says the community mourns the loss of the couple, who were well-known and respected in the area.
“I mean these were well respected and loved individuals, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”
