Jury recommends 25 years in prison for Holts Summit murder conviction

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Boone County jury suggested sentencing a Holts Summit woman convicted of murder to up to decades in prison on Friday.

The jury deliberated the sentence of Heather Smith, 38, on a change of venue from Callaway County. She was convicted on five criminal counts on Thursday, including felony murder.

Smith was also found guilty of three counts of unlawful use of a weapon and a count of armed criminal action.

After deliberating Friday morning, jurors came back with suggested sentences that add up to more than 41 years in prison, including 25 years for murder. The judge will decide the final sentence, and whether prison terms should be consecutive or concurrent.

The prosecutor argued that Smith shot and killed 37-year-old Kara Dills at Hunter Lane Apartments in April 2025. Smith's attorney tried to convince the 12-member jury that Smith shot Dills in self-defense.

Smith faces a max imprisonment of four years or a max fine of $10,000 for three counts of unlawful use of a weapon. The prosecuting attorney is asking for the maximum prison sentence.

The maximum sentence for felony murder is life in prison, and prosecutors were seeking 25 to 30 years in prison.

Smith's attorney is asking for minimum sentences.

Both attorneys gave final statements and called a few witnesses up to the stand, including Dills' daughter and mother.

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