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That's murder, but the murderer is Black and he's murdering a White man, so he hasn't been charged.
Man killed during an encounter with the owner of Aces Bail Bonds in Spokane, WA
Duration: 1:00 Views: 1.7K Submitted: 6 hours ago Submitted by:
"My name is Autumn Smith, widow of Christopher Scott Smith. I am writing to bring attention to his preventable death and the failures that allowed it to happen. For nearly three years, I have searched for answers—reviewing evidence, obtaining public records, and trying to understand why the agencies responsible for protecting the public did not prevent this outcome.
On September 2, 2023, my husband, Christopher Scott Smith—the father of two of my children—was killed during an encounter with the owner of Aces Bail Bonds in Spokane, Washington. I believe his death resulted from an unlawful and unjustified use of force. Afterward, I began my own investigation and obtained video footage showing the moments before and after the incident. What I saw raised serious questions about the official account. The footage shows bail bondsman Rodger Betschart alone, with no law enforcement present, circling the residence where Chris and his girlfriend, Jennifer, had just moved in. When Chris stepped outside with a friend, Betschart pulled up, stopped in the street, and moments later was on top of Chris, striking him with an object
witnesses later identified as the butt of a taser. Christopher’s autopsy documented severe injuries, including a broken nose and crushed eye socket, consistent with repeated blows from a blunt object. Those injuries match the witness statements what is visible in one of the many the videos. Betschart then used an armbar tactic and handcuffed Chris while witnesses heard Chris yelling for him to stop. In the midst the commotion, Chris’s friend ran inside to alert Jennifer. She rushed out with pepper spray, unaware that the man beating Chris was a bondsman. Betschart is required to wear a specific uniform under RCW 18.185.300; which was not visible when Jennifer acted in defense of Chris. She sprayed Betschart and immediately ran back toward the apartment. As she ran, Betschart fired two shots at her running away. When Betschart rolled over, Chris had managed to get to his feet. Betschart then shot him in the abdomen, causing Chris to fall on top of him. Chris tried to save himself, but Betschart shot him again, causing him to fall to his side. Betschart then pushed Chris to the ground, positioned himself behind him, and fired four more shots into his back while standing over him. In the video, Chris can be heard screaming for help as each shot is fired several seconds apart. He tried to crawl away why begged for mercy. All of this is on video. Despite the video, witness statements, and physical evidence, the incident was ruled self-defense. I cannot reconcile that conclusion with what I have seen.
A Tacoma man was recently sentenced to 70 years for a similar shooting. Yet in Spokane, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Police Department, and the State of Washington have not been held accountable for their negligence. The Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office refused to meaningfully engage with me. Lead Detective Chad Erdman treated Betschart like a colleague rather than a suspect. The interview in my opinion was coached and guided. The defense attorney had already spoke to the prosecutor. Nothing Rodger said matched what was seen in the video. He claims self-defense but the only injury he had was scrapped knees and busted knuckles, which is consistent with what's in the video. Rodger says he only shot Chris 1 time and he knows this because he “wasn’t trying to kill him” FBI Agent Christian Parker stated the incident was in no way self-defense and was disturbed by Erdman’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Betschart—who killed my husband—is still licensed, still armed, still operating Aces Bail Bonds, and still a danger to the Spokane community. During my investigation, I also learned that in January 2023, Betschart pled guilty to an assault charge and entered an SOC (similar to a deferred sentence). That SOC was active when he fatally shot Christopher. On September 7, just five days after the shooting, court documents signed by Judge Michelle Szambelan listed the charge as 2nd Degree Murder (RCW 9A.32.050). These facts raise critical questions: Were prior complaints against Betschart submitted to the DOL properly investigated? Why was this case not handled like any other fatal shooting? Why was someone with a recent violent conviction allowed to continue working as a bail recovery agent? Why did the Department of Licensing ignore RCW 18.185.020, RCW 18.185.110, and RCW 18.185.115?
Professional licensing exists to protect the public. When credible complaints are ignored or inadequately investigated, the system fails—and people get hurt. Had those complaints been properly addressed, I believe my husband might still be alive. I also believe the Spokane Police Department failed to conduct a fair and objective investigation. Witness statements supporting Chris’s account were ignored. Evidence contradicting the official narrative was overlooked. Portions of the police reports conflict with what is clearly visible in the video. This letter is not about revenge. It is about accountability. Christopher mattered. He was a partner, father, brother, son, and uncle. He was loved. He deserved the same protection under the law as every other citizen. No family should have to investigate their loved one’s death because they believe authorities failed to do so honestly. No family should have to fight for years just to have evidence considered. And no citizen should lose confidence that the truth matters simply because the person responsible held a license issued by the State. I am asking the Washington Attorney General, members of the Legislature, the media, and the people of Washington to examine this case for themselves. Watch the video. Read the records. Compare the evidence with the official reports. Ask whether justice was truly served. If the system fails my husband, it can fail another family tomorrow. I refuse to let Christopher’s life be forgotten. I will continue seeking the truth until every question is answered and every agency responsible for protecting the public is held accountable—whether for its actions or its failure to act.
On September 2, 2023, my husband, Christopher Scott Smith—the father of two of my children—was killed during an encounter with the owner of Aces Bail Bonds in Spokane, Washington. I believe his death resulted from an unlawful and unjustified use of force. Afterward, I began my own investigation and obtained video footage showing the moments before and after the incident. What I saw raised serious questions about the official account. The footage shows bail bondsman Rodger Betschart alone, with no law enforcement present, circling the residence where Chris and his girlfriend, Jennifer, had just moved in. When Chris stepped outside with a friend, Betschart pulled up, stopped in the street, and moments later was on top of Chris, striking him with an object
witnesses later identified as the butt of a taser. Christopher’s autopsy documented severe injuries, including a broken nose and crushed eye socket, consistent with repeated blows from a blunt object. Those injuries match the witness statements what is visible in one of the many the videos. Betschart then used an armbar tactic and handcuffed Chris while witnesses heard Chris yelling for him to stop. In the midst the commotion, Chris’s friend ran inside to alert Jennifer. She rushed out with pepper spray, unaware that the man beating Chris was a bondsman. Betschart is required to wear a specific uniform under RCW 18.185.300; which was not visible when Jennifer acted in defense of Chris. She sprayed Betschart and immediately ran back toward the apartment. As she ran, Betschart fired two shots at her running away. When Betschart rolled over, Chris had managed to get to his feet. Betschart then shot him in the abdomen, causing Chris to fall on top of him. Chris tried to save himself, but Betschart shot him again, causing him to fall to his side. Betschart then pushed Chris to the ground, positioned himself behind him, and fired four more shots into his back while standing over him. In the video, Chris can be heard screaming for help as each shot is fired several seconds apart. He tried to crawl away why begged for mercy. All of this is on video. Despite the video, witness statements, and physical evidence, the incident was ruled self-defense. I cannot reconcile that conclusion with what I have seen.
A Tacoma man was recently sentenced to 70 years for a similar shooting. Yet in Spokane, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Police Department, and the State of Washington have not been held accountable for their negligence. The Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office refused to meaningfully engage with me. Lead Detective Chad Erdman treated Betschart like a colleague rather than a suspect. The interview in my opinion was coached and guided. The defense attorney had already spoke to the prosecutor. Nothing Rodger said matched what was seen in the video. He claims self-defense but the only injury he had was scrapped knees and busted knuckles, which is consistent with what's in the video. Rodger says he only shot Chris 1 time and he knows this because he “wasn’t trying to kill him” FBI Agent Christian Parker stated the incident was in no way self-defense and was disturbed by Erdman’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Betschart—who killed my husband—is still licensed, still armed, still operating Aces Bail Bonds, and still a danger to the Spokane community. During my investigation, I also learned that in January 2023, Betschart pled guilty to an assault charge and entered an SOC (similar to a deferred sentence). That SOC was active when he fatally shot Christopher. On September 7, just five days after the shooting, court documents signed by Judge Michelle Szambelan listed the charge as 2nd Degree Murder (RCW 9A.32.050). These facts raise critical questions: Were prior complaints against Betschart submitted to the DOL properly investigated? Why was this case not handled like any other fatal shooting? Why was someone with a recent violent conviction allowed to continue working as a bail recovery agent? Why did the Department of Licensing ignore RCW 18.185.020, RCW 18.185.110, and RCW 18.185.115?
Professional licensing exists to protect the public. When credible complaints are ignored or inadequately investigated, the system fails—and people get hurt. Had those complaints been properly addressed, I believe my husband might still be alive. I also believe the Spokane Police Department failed to conduct a fair and objective investigation. Witness statements supporting Chris’s account were ignored. Evidence contradicting the official narrative was overlooked. Portions of the police reports conflict with what is clearly visible in the video. This letter is not about revenge. It is about accountability. Christopher mattered. He was a partner, father, brother, son, and uncle. He was loved. He deserved the same protection under the law as every other citizen. No family should have to investigate their loved one’s death because they believe authorities failed to do so honestly. No family should have to fight for years just to have evidence considered. And no citizen should lose confidence that the truth matters simply because the person responsible held a license issued by the State. I am asking the Washington Attorney General, members of the Legislature, the media, and the people of Washington to examine this case for themselves. Watch the video. Read the records. Compare the evidence with the official reports. Ask whether justice was truly served. If the system fails my husband, it can fail another family tomorrow. I refuse to let Christopher’s life be forgotten. I will continue seeking the truth until every question is answered and every agency responsible for protecting the public is held accountable—whether for its actions or its failure to act.
Categories: Crime & Lawlessness
Cripple 3 hours ago
Democrat controlled state.
Democrat controlled city.
Democrat prosecuter.
Democrat Judge (female, no surprise there)
All are a recipe for injustice.
Proven time and time again.
Not only catch-and-release murderers, actually now supporting murderers who work their judicial system.
Murdering bail bondsmen. Who else are they going to support next?
CarlC1 4 hours ago
" I believe his death resulted from an unlawful and unjustified use of force"
The film needs a lot of enhancement and zoom. But just from what I do see, I'd be somewhat inclined to call that outright murder. If that was murder, having that bondsman still walking free is a damn travesty.
Lemmiwinks 5 hours ago
Holy description. Ppl are so on edge nowadays tho. My next purchase (after my israeli-chip iPhone upgrade) will be a firearm. Any recommendations? I have shot before
Lemmiwinks 5 hours ago
@Lemmiwinks Beretta 92FS makes my mouth water
PARDON URANUS 5 hours ago
@Lemmiwinks I never leave home without this puppy: https://triggerhappytoy.com/
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