Coffeeville Man Indicted In Fatal Shooting

COFFEEVILLE – A grand jury in the First Judicial District indicted Randal Byford for manslaughter in a shooting last year that claimed the life of Michael Allen Smith. The incident occurred on County Road 24 near Oakland on Sept. 11, 2015, after the two men, who were friends, were target practicing, according to an earlier story in the Herald. 

Sheriff Lance Humphreys indicated early in the investigation that the shooting was not intentional and the evidence gathered would be presented to a grand jury to determine if Byford would face charges. 

Assistant District Attorney Steven Jubera explained the question presented to grand jury was whether the shooting fit the legal definition of an accidental shooting. 

“The jury returned the indictment based on the information that was presented,” Jubera told the Herald.  “The question was whether or not Byford was using caution when pointing the firearm in the direction of Smith.”

Jubera also said there was no evidence that indicated that Byford intended to kill Smith, which led to the lesser charge or manslaughter instead of murder. 

“We were looking at the autopsy results, photographs and statements that were made from the scene,” Jubera added.

Smith, who lived in Panola County, was 20 years old.

The indictment was served last Thursday, the same day the grand jury met, and Byford was taken into custody. He is from Coffeeville.