26-year-old Ryan Mitchell Smith in Houston faces a murder charge after allegedly killing his father, Cameron Smith, on January 24 with a dumbbell.
The suspect had shortly been released from the Harris County Jail on January 23 for stabbing a police dog, DFW CBS reports.
Ryan was arrested Saturday morning after attempting to steal a car and attacking a police dog after it tried to chase him down.
The dog underwent surgery and is recovering.
His charges were robbery, interference with a police service animal, and evading arrest. He made bail and was released to his father’s home.
On Monday, when the father’s family could not reach Cameron, police were sent to the home.
Ryan was found parked near the residence in his dad’s truck. He led officers on a pursuit until early Tuesday when the vehicle crashed near a park.
Ryan Smith ran from the scene and into a wooded area.
Police discovered in the truck a loaded hunting rifle, the family’s black Labrador Retriever, and the 15-pound dumbbell allegedly used to kill his father. The dog was unharmed.
Upon a continued search at Cameron’s home, homicide detectives discovered his body concealed in the garage under several items, including a small Christmas tree, a table, and a chair.
Later that day, officers found Ryan walking along a highway in Waller County, about 50 miles northwest of Houston.
“Smith provided a statement [to police] indicating that he had killed [his father] … by distracting him and then striking him in the head three times with a fifteen-pound dumbbell before tying a plastic bag around [his] head,” police said.
Ryan’s attorney, Ralph Manginello, said his client has a history of mental illness and likely had a “psychotic episode” during the incident.
Additionally, he is facing a charge of evading arrest for the police chase.
