Breaking News: Bladen County Man Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in Collision That Killed Former Dublin Fire Chief
May 31 , 2025Bladen County, North Carolina — May 30, 2025 — According to WWAY TV3, a Bladenboro resident is now facing serious felony charges in connection with a crash that claimed the life of former Dublin Fire Chief Jimmy Batton.
According to court documents, 29-year-old Kirkland McCary Pusey Smith has been charged with second-degree murder and driving while impaired. The charges were formally filed. A judge set Smith’s secured bond at $5 million and ordered that he refrain from driving or using alcohol or drugs unless medically prescribed. His next court date is scheduled for June 12.
The deadly incident occurred the morning of May 24 on Highway 41, just west of Dublin. The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported that Batton, 68, was stopped in his SUV, preparing to turn left onto Robin Lane, when Smith’s truck failed to brake and struck him from behind. Batton was pronounced dead at the scene. Smith sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Batton was a respected community member known for his service as the former fire chief of Dublin.
Our thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of Mr. Batton.
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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in this incident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Having your case evaluated by a lawyer immediately will ensure your rights are protected. The first step is to request a police report, and we can do that for you.
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