http://www.lsureveille.com/our_view_tailgating_as_bama_fans_highlighted_lsu_s_belligerence

Officials: Shootings caused by ongoing dispute not by Alabama-LSU football game
Two deaths first linked to Alabama-LSU gameThursday, November 13, 2008 By CONNIE BAGGETTStaff Reporter
EVERGREEN — A longstanding ongoing dispute between two women led to a double homicide Saturday that initially was linked to the Alabama- Louisiana State University football game, Conecuh County authorities said Wednesday after interviewing witnesses.

Also, forensic evidence indicated victims were each shot twice from close range.

“We knew if investigators had a chance to work, the truth would come out,” said Shannon Odom, half brother of one of the victims. “The first statement was published, and the story went nationwide.”

Investigators on Sunday said witnesses initially told them Dennis and Donna Smith were LSU fans who drove more than 20 miles to Michael Williams’ home near Owassa to confront him about the game, won in overtime by top-ranked Alabama 27-21.

Once there, witnesses first said, Dennis Smith attacked Williams who pulled a shotgun after Smith armed himself with a pistol. Then, they said, Williams shot Dennis Smith and then Donna Smith when she threatened Williams.

“We have determined Mr. Dennis Smith was an avid Alabama fan and was not an LSU fan,” said Conecuh County District Attorney Tommy Chapman, “but we believe this terrible incident was absolutely not about that.”

Investigators said forensic examination of Dennis Smith showed the 40-year-old Brewton-area man was shot once in the shoulder, likely with one arm shielding his face, then a second time from close range in the back.

Investigators determined that Donna Smith was shot from close range in the neck and shoulder from the front, then at close range in the back of the neck. Her injuries indicate the last shot hit her as she lay on the ground.

Investigators said witnesses on Wednesday said the conflict started when Lynn Brown, a guest in Williams’ home, called Dennis Smith to talk about the ballgame. Jennifer Smith Grisham, Williams’ girlfriend asked who was on the telephone, then said Alabama didn’t deserve to win the game and had not played well, witnesses told investigators.

Dennis Smith said he would bring his wife to Owassa to “straighten out” Jennifer Smith Grisham, witnesses told police. They said Jennifer Smith Grisham had been in an ongoing argument with Donna Smith, who was her aunt.

Williams called Dennis Smith back, witnesses said, and challenged him to bring Donna Smith for the confrontation.

A half-hour later, the couple arrived at the mobile home near Owassa, and the fight escalated into fatal gunfire.

“The charges against Michael Williams stand at two counts of felony murder,” Chapman said. “This case will be presented to the spring session of the county grand jury.”

Odom said family members spent the last few days finalizing funeral services for his half brother, Dennis Smith, and for Donna Smith.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 tonight at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton. A funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

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It should be noted that there were no LSU fans involveed. I always wondered why avid LSU fans would be in south central Alabama . . . .

This looks to be something that goes back years with these two related women.