North American Missing Persons Network
 
Karen Jo Smith

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Above Images: Smith, circa 2000

Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

  • Missing Since: December 27, 2000 from Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
  • Classification: Endangered Missing
  • Date Of Birth: October 12, 1965
  • Age: 35
  • Height: 4'11"
  • Weight: 148 lbs.
  • Hair Color: Brown
  • Eye Color: Blue
  • Race: White
  • Gender: Female
  • Distinguishing Characteristics: Scars on left foot and on
    abdomen. Surgical scar on left knee. Wore a retainer on lower
    teeth. Wide gap between upper front teeth. Right index finger
    was severed during a sewing accident and was reattached.
    Occasionally walks with a limp as the result of a cleft foot.
    One ankle was reconstructed as a result of prothesis during
    her childhood. Left ear is pierced three times on the earlobe,
    with an additional piercing in the upper cartilage. Right ear is
    pierced twice in the earlobe.
  • Clothing: Gray "Indiana University" sweatshirt, jeans or
    gray sweatpants, white socks. May have worn a black leather
    thigh-length jacket with a large hood and gold satin lining. May
    have been carrying a twelve-inch black leather purse with a
    long shoulder strap and a multi-colored leather woven cigarette
    case.
  • Jewelry: Pink marquis ring with gold stripe across the stone,
    and a gold ring with seventeen diamonds on a cross band,
    similiar to the one pictured below the case summary.
  • AKA: Her maiden name is "Bishop."
  • NCIC Number: M-771256476
  • Case Number: I00116106

    • Details of Disappearance
    Smith was last seen at her residence in the 800 block of Weghorst Street in Indianapolis, Indiana at approximately 10:30 p.m. on December 27, 2000. Her son told authorities that her former husband, Steven Halcomb, was sitting in the family's living room with Smith at the time. Her son reported that Smith appeared to be experiencing drug-induced sleepiness. Her two children did not hear any suspicious activity within their house during the night. They reported her as a missing person when Smith could not be located the following morning. She also missed an appointment that day. She left behind her car, jewelry, and money at her house.

    Halcomb had been paroled from a drug-related conviction in August 2000, four months before Smith vanished. Smith previously told her family members that she felt threatened by Halcomb. Halcomb vanished at the same time Smith disappeared; he failed to show up for work the next day. His vehicle, a 1983 light blue Ford LTD with Indiana license plates 95W7801, was also missing.

    Halcomb turned himself into authorities on January 11, 2001 after violating his parole. He had been in California. His vehicle was located and inspected for possible evidence related to Smith's disappearance, but nothing was found during the search. Halcomb has maintained his innocence regarding Smith's case and told investigators he never saw his former wife around the time she vanished. Smith's family believes that Halcomb was involved in her case. Halcomb was denied parole in 2001 and remained in prison until the end of his sentence in 2003. Halcomb was indicted for Smith's murder in August 2003, over two and a half years after she disappeared. A witness for the grand jury said they had heard Halcomb confess that he strangled Smith. On Wednesday, December 15, 2004, he was found guilty of murder. Smith's body has never been recovered.

    Investigating Agency
    If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
    Indianapolis Police Department
    (317) 327-6613
    (317) 327-3811

    Source Information
    Namus
    Indianapolis Police Department