A tragic and unthinkable act of violence has left the Elizabethtown community grieving the loss of one of its most beloved citizens—Aaron Daine Smith, a respected HVAC business owner, deacon, pilot, and family man. His wife, Charlotte Brandy Smith, 45, has been charged with first-degree murder following a deadly shooting that took place inside their family home on Woodhouse Drive.
On Monday, July 8, Elizabethtown Police responded to a 911 call from 307 Woodhouse Drive, where they found 42-year-old Aaron Daine Smith suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency crews rushed Smith to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
Arrest Made The Next Day
Just one day later, on July 9, Charlotte Smith was intercepted during a traffic stop in southern Montgomery County. Acting on an alert from Bladen County, Montgomery County deputies arrested her without incident. She now faces first-degree murder charges and is being held without bond at the Bladen County Detention Facility. Her first court appearance is set for July 24.
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Investigation Update
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is now assisting the Elizabethtown Police Department and Bladen County Sheriff’s Office in the ongoing homicide probe. Law enforcement says this is an active and sensitive investigation, with more details expected as the case unfolds.
Who Was Aaron Daine Smith?
A graduate of East Bladen High School, Smith went on to dominate the trade industry as a licensed HVAC mastermind, according to an obituary. He spent years with Campbell Oil Company before launching his own successful business, Smith & Sons Heating and Cooling, formerly known as Cape Fear Heating and Cooling. His skilled hands didn’t just build a thriving business—they helped serve his neighbors and church family selflessly.
Community Involvement
Aaron was a faithful Deacon at Dublin First Baptist Church and a proud supporter of organizations like Southeastern Carolina Crossroads and Bladen Economic Development. A licensed pilot, Aaron enjoyed flying, fishing, hunting, and keeping his yard pristine. But nothing meant more to him than his family.
Those who knew Aaron described him as a gentle soul, a generous giver, and a true man of God. His trademark phrase, “God is good,” was often said with a humble smile—and it now echoes through a community mourning his loss.
The Smiths’ Media & Political Background
The couple formerly owned Bladen Online, a local digital news outlet they sold to Champion Media in April. Charlotte was also a write-in candidate for the Bladen County Board of Education in 2022 and was known for publicly criticizing the school board.
A Life Remembered
Aaron Daine Smith’s life was rooted in faith, family, and service. His legacy will live on through his sons, AJ and Paul, and through the countless lives he touched. While his death is a devastating loss for the town, many believe Heaven has gained a true angel.
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