On Tuesday, November 26th, 2002, around 7:30am some personal items of Robert Earl Smith, including his wallet and ID, were found on the grounds of the Hattie Cotton Elementary School which was located behind the victim’s residence at 1004 Douglas Avenue. When police officers attempted to return Smith’s property they discovered him lying deceased inside his apartment. Smith had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. It was common knowledge in the area that Smith kept cash in his residence. Robert Earl Smith was 45 years old at the time of his death.
If you have any information regarding the murder of Robert Earl Smith, please contact the Cold Case Homicide Unit at MNPDColdCase@nashville.gov
You can also call the Nashville Police Department’s Crime Stoppers Division anonymously at 615-742-7463
We feel it is important to put a face to the name. If you have a photograph you would like to submit to be posted (as an addition or substitution) please email: MNPDColdCase@nashville.gov