PRESS RELEASE: 10-July-2026
Kyler Deal Sentenced to Life in Prison for Franklin County Murder of Larry Murl Smith Mt. Vernon, TEXAS — 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay announced that on July 1, 2026, Kyler Deal was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of Larry Murl Smith. Deal was originally charged with Capital Murder in connection with Smith’s death, which occurred on February 6, 2025. Deal ultimately accepted responsibility by pleading guilty to Murder and receiving a life sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Deal will not be eligible for parole for 30 years.
The case also involved additional criminal allegations arising around the time of Smith’s death, including allegations that Deal burglarized Smith’s home on February 9, 2025. Another individual remains charged with Burglary of a Habitation and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a first-degree felony based on an alleged predicate offense of Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information. Those cases remain pending.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Larry Smith,” said 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay. “The State of Texas was prepared to try this case if needed. For the sake of the family, we are thankful that a heavy sentence was reached without having to relive these events through a very public trial.”
“This resolution ensures that Kyler Deal will spend decades in prison for the murder of Larry Murl Smith without the family having to endure the pain of a trial,” Zachary Blackmon of the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said. “We are grateful that Mr. Smith’s family was able to see this case resolved and that they received a measure of justice for this senseless killing, though we recognize no amount of time will heal this family’s wounds.”
The District Attorney’s Office thanks the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers for their diligent work in investigating this case and helping secure this result.
Contact: Will Ramsay 903-885-0641; wramsay@hopkinscountytx.org