Frank Smith: Firearm found in Wellington shooting mystery

Detectives have found a firearm linked to a man’s death after an entire community was left devastated when the popular handyman was shot in broad daylight in central NSW.

A firearm linked to the death of a beloved Wellington man who was shot in broad daylight has been located just weeks after police appealed for more information on the tragic killing.

Homicide Squad detectives renewed the appeal for public information on April 27, exactly one year after popular local Frank Smith was shot in the abdomen.

The handyman stumbled into a yard near where he was shot with a neighbour rushing him to Wellington Hospital.

Popular Wellington local Frank Smith was shot in the abdomen on the morning of April 27, 2020. Picture: NSW Police.

Who was responsible for the alleged murder of popular Wellington resident Frank Smith remains a mystery. Picture: Supplied

Police were called to the hospital about 4.30pm and despite the best efforts of staff, Mr Smith was unable to be saved.

Initial inquiries into the shooting were conducted by officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took over the investigation under Strike Force Libani.

Detectives have now found a gun near Wellington and have linked the weapon to Mr Smith’s murder following ballistic examinations.

Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, thanked those in the local community who have come forward and spoken to police.

Detectives have now found a gun near Wellington and have linked the weapon to Mr Smith’s murder following ballistic examinations. Picture: NSW Police

“Strike Force Libani detectives have seized significant physical and forensic evidence over the past 14 months since Frank’s murder,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“The firearm that was recently located has now been linked to the shooting of Frank and is currently undergoing further forensic and DNA testing.”

Det Supt Doherty said it was a “significant step forward” for detectives and is urging more people to come forward.

“This may be your last opportunity before officers come knocking,” he said.

In April Det Supt Doherty said police were continuing to explore multiple lines of inquiry into the death.

“It has now been a year since this investigation began, and police wish to extend their sincere appreciation to those in the local community who have already come forward and spoken to police,” he said.

Frank Smith, Wellington murder victim.

Beloved grandfather Frank Smith was a lifelong Wellington resident, loved by his fellow community members. Picture: Supplied

“During the past 12 months, detectives have conducted a significant canvass, including speaking with several of Frank’s family, friends and associates – as well as reviewing CCTV in the area.

“Last October, officers released vision of a vehicle seen in the vicinity of Thornton Street shortly after Frank was shot. Police have now spoken with the owner of the vehicle and investigations remain ongoing.”

Police believe the occupants of a black 2001 Holden Rodeo ute with black and white sides, seen near Thornton Street in Wellington shortly after Mr Smith was shot, could help solve the mystery.

Homicide Squad detectives have now returned to Wellington and are looking to talk to anyone who is yet to come forward over the death.

Mr Smith’s family say they are desperate for closure and want anyone with answers about what happened to come forward. Linda Rose Morris, Mr Smith’s daughter, said precious time had been taken away from her family.

“Today makes one year that I have been without my father and my daughter has been without her grandfather,” Ms Morris said.

The 2001 Holden Rodeo ute with black and white sides police investigating the murder of Wellington man Frank Smith want information about. Picture: NSW Police

“Please – if you know what happened to dad, come forward and help my family the answers we need after such a terrible year of heartache.”

In October, Dreamtime Tukka founder and chief executive Herb Smith, said he couldn’t think of any reason why anyone would want to harm his brother, who was a former shearer and father of three.

“It’s just a total mystery,” he said.

“Frank was a good bloke, he was well liked and lots of people in the Wellington community liked him simply because of his nature and personality.

“It was quite humbling after his passing, that people from both the Aboriginal community and non-Aboriginal community came up and said they were quite shocked about what happened to him and made comments about how he was a really nice bloke, was always polite and was well liked.”

He said the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mr Smith’s death had put the Wellington community on high alert.

“We’re certainly concerned that there’s somebody within our community that has committed a heinous offence and is still out there,” he said.

“Think about the fact that it could have been your brother that it happened to and you would want people to come forward and give information.”

Investigations under Strike Force Libani are continuing.