#9 - The Trial of Mary Smith

Unsolved Canadian Mysteries

On May 20, 1935, the small community of Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, was shaken by the tragic death of Frank Smith. His wife, Mary Charlotte Smith, confessed to the crime, leading to a series of trials that captivated the public and left lingering questions about justice and mental health.The morning began routinely for Mrs. Caroline Fisher, who worked for the Smiths. Arriving at their cottage around 7:00 AM, she found Frank lifeless on his cot and Charlotte in apparent distress. Charlotte admitted to shooting her husband, prompting Mrs. Fisher to alert local authorities. Detective Corporal E.J. DesRosiers of the RCMP and Dr. Frances McGill, the provincial pathologist, confirmed that Frank had died instantly from a bullet wound to the head.The Smiths' marriage was fraught with tension. Charlotte, previously married twice, had met Frank while still wed to her second husband. Their union, formalized after her divorce, was marred by financial disputes and personal conflicts. Testimonies during the trial highlighted these issues, painting a picture of a troubled relationship.Charlotte's trial commenced in October 1935. Despite her confession, the defense sought leniency, possibly citing her mental state and the marital strife. However, on October 19, the jury found her guilty of murder with a recommendation for mercy. She was sentenced to death by hanging, scheduled for January 24, 1936.In the aftermath, Charlotte reportedly experienced disturbing visions, possibly as manifestations of guilt or deteriorating mental health. These accounts added a layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about her psychological well-being and the broader implications of her conviction.The case of Mary Charlotte Smith underscores the challenges of addressing mental health within the justice system, especially in the early 20th century. It also reflects societal attitudes toward domestic issues and the legal responses to them during that era.For a more in-depth exploration of this case, tune in to our episode on Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available on Spotify and YouTube. The research for this episode was done by Melanie Cole at https://melaniecole.com/2022/03/01/the-trial-of-mary-charlotte-smith/