Pingree woman arraigned on murder charge

Melonie Smith pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of first-degree murder and attempting to conceal evidence in connection with the shooting death of David Lee Davis, 30, of Pocatello February 11th. Smith appeared in 7th District Court in Blackfoot for arraignment. Prosecutors said they would not seek a death penalty on the murder charge. But, she could face up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine. Smith was also told she could face up to a $10,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison for destruction and alteration of evidence. She will appear before 7th District Judge Darren Simpson for trial. A pretrial conference is scheduled August 4. A witness testified during Smith’s preliminary hearing on April 6th that Smith told him that “she had shot someone and that he was in her kitchen.” He said her reason for shooting Davis was because he “ripped her off in a couple of different ways.” The witness said Smith told him when Davis was coming around the car, he was shot in the head and legs by a man named Kevin. They brought him into the house and Davis was pleading for his life. Smith told him that she had given hydrocodone and some water to relieve the pain. While he was taking the pills Smith shot him in the head.