KGUN 9News

Actions

Texas murder suspect found in Daytona 'for the races'

Man was wanted for allegedly killing his uncle
Texas murder suspect found in Daytona 'for the races'
Posted at 5:41 PM, Feb 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-25 19:41:31-05

A murder suspect being hunted by Texas police was found in Daytona, Florida, where he was apparently visiting to watch NASCAR races.

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, 50-year-old Joe Earl Smith was arrested Thursday by officers in Daytona after police were tipped off by Smith's family.

Texas Rangers and deputies with the Marion County (Texas) Sheriff's office had been looking for Smith in connection with the death of Jack Smith, who was Joe Earl Smith's uncle. Smith is accused of killing his uncle after a dispute over land in Texas.

Smith's family apparently told investigators that he would likely be in Daytona this week for NASCAR's Daytona 500 festivities.

Lt. Mike Fowler of the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety told the News-Journal that upon his arrest, Smith told officers he was indeed in town "for the races."

Smith was found sleeping inside his vehicle—which had been described to police—near city hall.

Clint Davis covers entertainment and trending news topics for the Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.