Bio

Randall Loyal Smith was born on December 31, 1953. He grew up in Washington County, Oregon.

As he grew up, he lived in a time when Oregon was experiencing various social and economic changes. The state was known for its beautiful landscapes and small towns, including Sherwood, where he would later be involved in a bank robbery.

Smith lived in a society that faced challenges related to crime, as well as community efforts to maintain safety and support individual growth.

He had various encounters with the law throughout his life, leading to his eventual arrest on September 20, 1990, for a serious crime. 

Murder Story

Randall Loyal Smith committed his murder on September 20, 1990, during a bank robbery in Sherwood, Oregon. He entered the Key Bank of Oregon and demanded money from Kathy Demarest, who was a bank teller on a one-day assignment. Smith pointed a gun at her and ordered her to "look at me" before shooting her between the eyes. This fatal act took place around 11:40 a.m.

After the shooting, Smith attempted to escape the scene in a light blue van. He also fired at another bank employee, Carolyn R. Vaughan, during the robbery. Authorities responded quickly, and about three and a half hours later, they arrested Smith in a nearby field. The police and FBI used tear gas to force him out of hiding.

Smith's actions led to a trial where he was convicted of murder and attempted aggravated murder. He was sentenced to death on March 9, 1992. However, this sentence was later overturned by a judge who cited inadequate defense during the penalty phase of his trial. As a result, Smith was resentenced to life in prison. Throughout the trial, he remained still with his eyes closed, appearing as if he were asleep.