A Holts Summit woman convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of her neighbor could face more than 40 years behind bars.
Heather Smith, 38, was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and three counts of unlawful use of a firearm. The accusation of first-degree child endangerment was dismissed.
Following its decision, the jury requested a 25-year jail sentence for murder and seven years for armed criminal conduct. The jury also recommended sentences of two, one year, and four years for each of the weapons offenses.
Smith will be formally sentenced on June 18. After being convicted, her bond was revoked, and she is now being held in the Callaway County Jail. Her case had been tried in Boone County due to a change of venue.
Smith and the victim, Kara Dills, 37, were arguing outside the Hunter Lane Apartments in April 2025 when Smith reportedly drew a revolver on her. That’s when Dills grabbed her own gun. Witnesses claim that as Smith raised her gun at Dills, Dills struck Smith in the head with her handgun, causing it to discharge.
Dills then walks away, and Smith shoots him in the torso.
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