06/12/2026
SMITH SENTENCED
Today, Steven Smith was sentenced to the maximum allowable term of 31.9 years in prison for the crime of Murder in the First Degree for the brutal and senseless killing of Bryce Bitar. Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge Katie Svoboda expressed her frustration that the Washington State Legislature has limited the ability of the court to impose more significant periods of incarceration for the most serious offenses.
Smith was found guilty of Murder in the First Degree after a six-day trial. The jury took less than three hours of deliberation to render their verdict because the evidence of guilt was so overwhelming.
I would like to share a portion of an email sent by Chief Strong to department staff following the verdict:
“On August 8th, 2024, Sgt Peterson, Officer Pearson, and Officer Kite were dispatched to the scene on Sumner Avenue for the "unknown problem" which we respond to daily. As we know, and was reaffirmed that day, we never know what we are walking in to.
After discovering the death under suspicious circumstances, Det. Sgt. Spaur was called took over the investigation, assisted by then Detective Simpson, most HPD staff, as well as officers and detectives from both the Aberdeen PD and the GH County SO. Det. Sgt Spaur and Det. Simpson worked tirelessly investigating this incident from the beginning, then Det. Fernandez jumped into the mix with a fresh set of eyes and uncovered valuable key information. Each minute every assisting Officer put into this case was valuable!
After a week of testimony, presented by Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor Crawford and PA Tony Carlow, the case went to the jury today at about 12:30. In an unprecedented time in my experience, at 3:10 pm, the jury reached a guilty verdict for Murder in the 1st degree.
I give Sgt Spaur my highest compliment and commendation for his tireless and dedication to this investigation. I personally know what he has gone through during the initial investigation and the weeks leading up to trial. His organization and leadership was paramount to this successful outcome to the Bitar family.
Prosecutors Crawford and Carlow were an outstanding team! There detail oriented, professional presentation of thi complex case was truly inspiring and I thank them both deeply for helping the Bitar family begin their closure.
Again, thank you all for your hard work and making HPD the professional agency we are.
Respectfully,
Joe Strong”
Our hearts go out to the Bitar family. Both of his parents gave heart wrenching victim impact statements today. A crime like this doesn’t have just one victim, but many who will have to feel the pain of loss forever.
We would like to give a special thank you to the members of the jury. They we required to hear and see the graphic evidence of a violent murder. This was very impactful on them and may bring long-lasting trauma to them as well.
Finally we would like to recognize the importance of our court system and the participants in it. The case was expertly prosecuted by Chief Deputy Prosecutor Dan Crawford and Deputy Prosecutor Tony Carlow. Defense Attorney Albie Didcock provided a well thought out and vigorous defense for his client. Having seen Mr. Didcock on both sides of the courtroom, as both a deputy prosecutor and defense attorney, he is a very capable attorney and a formidable adversary for anyone on the other side of the courtroom from him. Judge Svoboda and her staff ran a fair and efficient courtroom and held each party to the law and proper procedure.
A measure of justice was served today and a violent predator will be in prison for a long time. We just wish it was longer.
Interim Chief Jeff Salstrom
