Police return to Wellington to appeal for information in Frank Smith shooting mystery

An entire community was left devastated after a popular handyman was shot in broad daylight in central NSW and police are still searching for answers one year on.

Detectives are renewing an appeal for public information one the anniversary of a beloved Wellington man who was shot in broad daylight and killed.

Frank Smith, a popular local of the Central West town, was shot in the abdomen on the morning of April 27, 2020.

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

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

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

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

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.

Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny 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.

“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.

Wellington murder victim with one of his grandchildren.

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

“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.”

Homicide Squad boss Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the crime “outrageous” and occurred in broad daylight. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

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.”

Anyone with dashcam footage from Thornton Street in Wellington between 8am and 11am on April 27, or information about the Holden ute, is urged to contact police immediately via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Investigations under Strike Force Libani are continuing.