State of Oregon vs. Gavin David Smith-Brown Case No: 18 CR 38327

On September 3, 2020, Ranch Matters reached out to Jefferson County District Attorney, Steven LeRiche, regarding the September 2, 2020, “Status Hearing” of David Gavin Smith- Brown, who on June 13, 2018 was formally indicted for the murder of his mother, 65 year old Gayla Smith.

According to LeRiche, David Gavin Smith-Brown “remains at the state hospital” and LeRiche has not received a report yet. LeRiche stated that “When we receive the report, it will discuss the defendant’s competency to stand trial.” LeRiche went on to say that , “Predicting the next stages is difficult without knowing the defendant’s ability to aid and assist in his case.” However, “if he is competent, then he could decide to plead guilty or ask for a trial.”

On June 3, 2018, Ranch Matters was the first on the scene and report that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a suspicious death on Crooked River Ranch (CRR).

Just two days later Sheriff Adkins confirmed that 65 year old Gayla Smith was found dead in the garage of her home on SW Dove.

Gayla Smith’s Son, David Gavin Smith-Brown 29, was then identified as a person of interest in his mother’s murder, leading the Oregon State Police on a manhunt that ended after a 2-hour stand-off in Tualatin, Oregon on June 7, 2018.

 Ranch Matters Staff