The St. Louis Area Major Case Squad and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department continue to investigate the murder of a longtime Hawk Point resident and business owner.

Jeffrey Smith, 49, was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head and was found outside his business at approximately 11:30 p.m. on July 3, according to law enforcement authorities.

Deputy Cmdr. Mark Schimweg of the Major Case Squad said Smith’s body was discovered after a report was received of a man down outside of Smitty’s Garage, an auto repair shop located at 205 Highway A in Hawk Point.

Smith was pronounced dead at a local hospital after being found unconscious.

“He went to investigate a suspicious activity,” Schimweg said about Smith showing up at his business.

Authorities continue to look for suspects involved in the murder. A silver Corvette that was stored inside the business was believed to have been stolen, according to Schimweg, and was recovered down the road.

“We have seized some evidence and it’s being examined,” Schimweg said.

A $10,000 reward has been raised for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. Donations can be made by contacting the People’s Bank and Trust in Troy.

Anyone who was near Smitty’s Garage between 11-11:30 p.m. or with information related to the case is asked to call investigators at 636-528-8546 extension, 3222 or 3223.

Smith is survived by his wife, Annette, and one son, Matthew. 

Visitation services will be held this Thursday, July 8, from 4-8 p.m. at the Kemper-Marsh-Millard Family Funeral Home in Hawk Point. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow at Hawk Point City Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the family of Jeff Smith in care of Kemper-Marsh-Millard Family Funeral Home, 41 Farm Lane, Hawk Point, MO 63349.