Blackfoot woman who shot and killed man sentenced to life in prison

BLACKFOOT – Melonie Smith will spend the rest of her life in the Idaho State Penitentiary.

The Blackfoot woman was found guilty of fatally shooting David Lee Davis on Feb. 10 after officers discovered Davis’ body in Smith’s kitchen.

Judge Darren B. Simpson sentenced Smith to life in prison without the possibility of parole late Tuesday afternoon.

Simpson cited various portions of the pre-sentence investigation that indicated Smith was a threat to society, as well as a threat to those she is incarcerated with.

“After sitting through this trial there is no doubt in my mind that you are guilty of the crime you are convicted of,” Simpson said. “This court feels you are too big of a risk for treatment in the community. Those you are incarcerated with will be at risk. He was defenseless. He had been shot in the legs and bleeding. Rather than get him medical attention, you shot him in the back of the head.”

Davis’ wife, Heather, spoke at the hearing and read letters from the couple’s two children, Andrew, 13, and Haven, 11. Davis spoke of the nightmare Haven has been having.

“She has nightmares that Melonie is going to get out and come hurt us,” Davis said.

Davis also said that Andrew has had problems with anger since learning of his father’s death.

David’s cousin, Kelli Mooney, testified to the family’s loss and David’s character.

Smith’s public defender, James Archibald, indicated that Smith would appeal the conviction, citing that the photos that were shown to the jury were too graphic and prejudicial, and that Archibald did a poor job in defending her.
Smith has 42 days to appeal the sentence.