Husband of slain NC soldier faces murder charge

Associated Press
Published: October 3, 2008

    FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - The husband of a female soldier found stabbed to death near her home has been arrested in her death, as has an accomplice that authorities say he hired to kill his wife.
    Fayetteville police spokeswoman Teresa Chance said Friday that 26-year-old Sgt. Richard Smith was charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
    Chance also said 18-year-old Pfc. Mathew Kvapil faces the same charges after he was hired by Smith to attack 29-year-old Sgt. Christina E. Smith as the couple walked together Tuesday night.
    Smith initially told police a random attacker stabbed his wife in the neck and fled as he ran after him.
    Both Smiths were assigned to the Army’s 4th Psychological Operations Group at Fort Bragg.