Murder warrant issued on suspect in 22-month investigation

A warrant has been issued on Roger Smith

On Friday, May 25th, following an almost two-year long investigation by the Andover Police Department, led by Detective Natasha Ward, charges were formally filed and a warrant issued on Roger Smith for one count of Murder in the 2nd Degree in the domestic violence related death of Sandra Berry. Smith was the initial suspect in Sandra’s death that occurred at the Cloud Ridge Apartments, 217 W. 3rd in Andover on Aug. 1, 2016.

At approximately 11 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016 Sandra Berry was found by officers, fire fighters and EMS in the bedroom of her apartment with a deep wound to her throat, and after a futile attempt to revive her, was pronounced dead at the scene. Roger Smith, the victim’s “live-in” boyfriend was found in a nearby apartment. Smith was immediately taken in for questioning, and released in the early hours the following morning.

Over the past 22-months, Det. Ward has been working on this case, following up on leads, interviewing potential witnesses and reviewing evidence. Additionally, throughout this entire investigation Det. Ward has maintained contact with Sandra Berry’s family, providing them with regular updates on the progress of the investigation.

Roger Smith is currently in State Prison, housed in the El Dorado Correctional Facility for an unrelated crime and was expected to be released on parole on July 1of this year. Smith at some point will be served with the warrant and is scheduled for his first appearance at the Butler County Court House on June 29.

Michael A. Keller Chief of Police