Sgt. Richard Smith faces judge, accused of plotting to kill wife

By Laura Fowler
Ten & Nightside Edition Producer
Published: October 6, 2008

The Fort Bragg soldier accused of hiring another soldier to kill his wife faced a judge for the first time today.
   
Sgt. Richard Smith and Private First Class Mattew Kvapil were appointed a Cumberland County Public Defender.
   
Smith and Kvapil are charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
   
Police believe Smith offered Kvapil $30,000 to kill his wife, Army Sgt. Christina Smith.
   
Smith originally told police that a stranger attacked his wife as the two were walking in their neighborhood.
   
Their probable cause hearing is scheduled later this month.