Lisa Smith was shot dead by her husband Edward Smith outside a pub on Valentine's Day as she tried to escape their relationship, an inquest has heard. The 43-year-old from Slough died at the Three Horseshoes pub car park in Knockholt, Kent, on 14 February despite efforts by an off-duty firefighter to save her life.
Lisa had told her sister earlier that day she was leaving Edward and had travelled to Kent to stay with family. Edward had been searching for Lisa and calling her repeatedly before arriving at the pub and shouting for her.
Calculated attack at pub
Edward blocked the car park exit with his vehicle after initially appearing to leave. He then fired four shots at Lisa from close range during an incident that lasted less than two minutes, with Lisa hit twice in the neck and once in the chest.
Lisa had exited the pub and sat in her friend's car when Edward arrived and began shouting for her. Detective Sergeant James Dolby told the inquest that Edward shot Lisa three times before fleeing in a car.
Voice notes and final journey
Following the shooting, Edward sent a voice note to a relative at about 20:30 saying: "We have had a bit of tragedy today. I have just shot my wife, Lisa. If you can please pray for my family because things aren't looking good."
According to the BBC, Edward went into a fish and chip shop and pulled out his gun to demand a knife on his journey to the bridge. Someone he called told him: "You don't need to do this, god is not ready to take you, it will all be fine."
Bridge discovery and conclusion
Edward's body was later found in the River Thames after he was believed to have entered the water near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Dartford. A handgun, live ammunition, knife and mobile phone were found in the vehicle.
Area Coroner Katrina Hepburn concluded that Lisa Smith was "killed unlawfully" at the inquest.
Sources used: "BBC", "WalesOnline", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
