Monday night’s episode of Signs of a Psychopath on ID, explores the chilling story of Gavin Smith, who was accused of committing a heinous act of violence against his own family. In December 2020, 18-year-old Smith allegedly murdered four members of his family in Elkview, West Virginia.
The victims included his mother, Risa Mae Saunders (39), his stepfather, Daniel Dale Long (37), and his two younger brothers, Gage Ripley (12), and Jameson Long (3).
Smith faced serious charges, including four counts of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm during a felony. Initially tried as a juvenile, his case was eventually moved to adult court.
During the trial, prosecutors painted a picture of a cold-blooded killer, alleging that Smith showed no mercy, even shooting his 3-year-old brother, who had crawled under a bed in a desperate attempt to hide.
In contrast, Smith’s defense lawyer portrayed him as a desperate youth who had run away multiple times and was failed by a system that did not provide him with the help he needed. On December 7, 2022, a jury found Smith guilty of three counts of first-degree murder.
Signs of a Psychopath: His Parents Didn’t Like Me airs Monday, October 14, 2024, at 8:00 PM on ID.
