Cause of Death Released for Brookfield Man Who Shot At 3 Neighbors

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — An investigation into the death of 78-year-old Hubert Smith in the Waukesha County Jail has concluded, and the investigation has determined Smith died of natural causes.

Hubert Smith, 78, of Brookfield, was awaiting trial in his 2015 attempted homicide case. He had been facing three charges for attempted first-degree intentional homicide. He had been accused of shooting at three of his neighbors in a feud in 2015.

The City of Waukesha has completed their investigation in the death of Smith this week. Smith was an inmate of the Waukesha County Jail when he became ill. Jail medical professionals treated Smith prior to him being transported to Waukesha Memorial Hospital where he later died of a heart attack.

The Office of the Waukesha County Medical Examiner determined through an autopsy, that the cause of death of Hubert Smith is Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and the manner of death is natural. This investigation was forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for their review.

On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office Correctional staff responded to a medical emergency within the confines of the jail.

On June 1, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office staff was notified that Smith had passed away.
Sheriff Severson has requested the City of Waukesha Police Department investigate this incident.

According to police, during a fit of "blind rage" in a 2015 incident, Smith reportedly went into his home and returned with a revolver, firing several rounds and striking two of the three neighbors he shot at during a neighbor dispute.

According to the criminal complaint, Smith told police his neighbors were taunting him. It was Smith himself who reportedly called police, because he doubted that his neighbor was alive after the shooting.

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image via waukesha county jail