Minister found shot to death on Knightdale driveway

Knightdale, N.C. — Wake County authorities are investigating a shooting that left a Knightdale associate minister dead on his driveway Thursday morning.

Sheriff Donnie Harrison said that someone reported hearing a gunshot shortly after 3:30 a.m. When deputies arrived at 1808 Lucas Road a few minutes later, they found the body of Michael Donnell Smith, 48.

Neighbor Craig Lucas said Smith, who lived at the residence with his wife and stepdaughter, was also a truck driver and might have been going to work.

Investigators are still trying to determine what happened and have not offered a possible motive for the shooting or why Smith might have been outside his home at that time of night.

Harrison said Smith's wife was inside the home at the time. No one else was injured.

Smith was arrested on fraud charges in 2004, but Lucas said he had turned around his life within the past few years.

He was an associate minister at Truth and Delivery International Ministry Church in Knightdale, where he preached, taught Bible study, Sunday school and was active in community outreach.

He had given his first sermon at the church exactly three years ago Thursday.

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Latest Comments

Sad --- this man tried to turn his life around came a little to "late" - my prayer goes out to the family! What is this world coming to? No regards to life what-so-ever...... As far as crime, it is truly everywhere(we are living in the last days people)"critical times hard to deal with" indeed! No guidance, NO morals, NO respect for others what-so-ever. Looking at his criminal record online, I hope it didn't have anything to do with drugs or fraud.

mjlt3
June 4, 2009 5:27 p.m.

Hey! Does anyone know how many felonies are required under NC State Law to be a Minister? Just curious. Thanks.

Caveman93
June 4, 2009 5:18 p.m.

WRAL: What does that statement "Smith was arrested on fraud charges in 2004," have ANYTHING to do with this story? Why must you always bring up stuff like this? Is this an over-zealous reporter? This family lost a loved one - just leave it at that.

Commentor5
June 4, 2009 4:46 p.m.

WRAL, please keep us all up dated on the latest news as to why this so-called minister was out at 3:30 a.m and got shot. I would appreciate anything new. Professor June 4, 2009 2:53 p.m. Report abuse

Truck drivers usually get up this early to start their workday...

or he could have been like the MINISTER that killed the girl and dumped the body on 540 last year..