Smith found guilty in murder of his wife

Roy Thomas "Tommy" Smith

An Etowah County jury Tuesday found Roy Thomas "Tommy" Smith guilty in the death of his wife.  Authorities say Roy Thomas "Tommy" Smith strangled his wife, Carla, to death in 2010. The jury deliberated for a little over an hour before reaching the verdict. The state is not seeking the death penalty and Smith is scheduled to be sentenced April 17. Prosecutors said in their closing arguments Tuesday there was evidence of domestic abuse and of Smith's concern that a pending divorce would cost him a lot of money. Defense attorneys argued there was a lack of evidence against their client, calling the prosecution's case "smoke and mirrors." They stand by Smith's original statement to police, which said he was at a hunting lodge in Cherokee County at the time of his wife's disappearance and death.