A Wyoming teenager, Tharles Smith, will plead guilty to attempted second-degree murder after he stabbed his mother in June 2024, a crime that shocked both his family and the community. Smith, who was 17 at the time of the attack, had previously been facing a charge of attempted first-degree murder but will now accept a lesser charge following a series of developments in his case.
The Stabbing Incident
The tragic incident took place on the night of June 10, 2024, when Tharles Smith, reportedly angry over ongoing family disputes, attacked his mother, Karla Smith, while she was sleeping. According to court documents obtained by the Gillette News Record, Tharles and his parents had been arguing about his behavior, particularly his refusal to follow household rules.
In the months leading up to the stabbing, Tharles had allegedly made threats, including telling his mother that he “was waiting until I am big enough to kill you.” On that night, while his parents were asleep, Tharles took a kitchen knife with an 8-inch blade and approached his mother’s bed. He stabbed her in the back near her shoulder blade, causing significant injuries.
Karla Smith, 42, was left with broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and serious internal injuries. The knife wound was so severe that doctors said she was “lucky” to be alive after spending two days in intensive care. Tharles reportedly acknowledged the attack when he said, “No, you actually have a knife in your back. I stabbed you.”
A Troubled Past
Tharles Smith’s behavior had been a source of concern for years. According to court documents, he had repeatedly threatened to kill both of his parents and had exhibited violent behavior, including cruelty toward animals, which he reportedly considered a joke. His mother, Karla, had tried various measures to control his anger issues, including having him institutionalized when he was 16. However, the intervention seemed to have little effect on his aggression.
The attack came after ongoing disputes over where Tharles should live. His parents had been considering moving him out of their home due to his refusal to abide by rules, but the teenager felt abandoned and angry. In his statement to police, Tharles mentioned being “too angry” to sleep that night and feeling like his parents were trying to “get rid of him.”
Legal Proceedings and Mental Evaluation
Tharles Smith was initially going to be tried as an adult for attempted first-degree murder. However, his defense team requested a mental evaluation, which led to a delay in the case. After receiving the evaluation, Tharles, now 18, will plead guilty to attempted second-degree murder. The sentencing is expected to take place later this year.
The Aftermath for the Family
The emotional and financial toll of the attack on Karla Smith has been devastating. Despite the trauma, Karla managed to stay strong and, in an effort to cover medical costs, even raffled off her son’s pig, using the funds to pay her bills. The family’s painful situation highlights the struggles of dealing with a troubled teenager and the challenges of seeking help for escalating behavior.
The case of Tharles Smith is a tragic reminder of how unresolved anger and violence can tear apart families. Despite his mother’s efforts to help him, the teenager’s behavior escalated to a point where it resulted in a life-threatening attack. As he pleads guilty to a lesser charge of attempted second-degree murder, both he and his family face the consequences of a broken relationship, leaving the community to reflect on the dangers of untreated mental health issues and the impact of family conflict.
