New Milford Cop Who Stood Trial For Murder Died In Danbury

DANBURY, Conn. - Scott Smith, 41, who was found dead in his home by Danbury Police on Tuesday, was the former New Milford police officer who had been charged with murder in 1998 for a death that occurred in the line of duty, according to published reports.

Danbury police and fire departments arrived at Smith's residence on Acre Drive and had to forcibly open the door before finding him dead on his bed, police said. 

The police went to Smith's house after friends reported they could not make contact with him, police said. His death is under investigation by the Danbury Police Detective Bureau. 

According to a report by the Hartford Courant, Smith was the first Connecticut police officer to be charged with murder.

Smith had reportedly been pursuing Franklyn Reid on foot in December 1998 when he fatally shot him, the report said. Smith stood trial and was about to be retried when he settled the case through a plea bargain. 

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