UPDATE (Friday, Aug. 26): Derek Smith of Independence has been formally charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, Tyra (Goins) Smith. Tyra was shot and killed at her home Wednesday evening. Derek’s bond was set at $2 million. More details later.

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Here is a statement issued from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, Aug 25:

At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Aug. 24, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of shots fire at a residence south of Independence.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Tyra Smith had been the victim of a shooting at her home. A person of interest has been taken into custody.

Montgomery County Detectives and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are continuing the investigation at this time. Charges will be filed pending review of the reports by the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office.

BREAKING NEWS: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has removed the blue-green algae advisory for Big Hill Lake. Swimming and direct contact with the water is now permissible.

The Montgomery County Chronicle publishes death notices on this website at no charge to the family of the deceased. Complete obituary can be found in the print edition of the Montgomery County Chronicle. Complete obituaries are printed at $20, which is billed to the funeral home handling the funeral and burial arrangements. Click on “Read More” to find the death notices.

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