Strike Force Libani Media Release

A man has been charged by NSW Police Force detectives over the shooting death of Wellington resident, Frank Smith, in the state’s Central West in April 2020. 

Strike Force Libani was established as a joint NSW Police Force Homicide Squad/Orana-Mid Western Police District and NSW Crime Commission investigation into the shooting. The NSW Crime Commission conducted a number of hearings and provided analytical resources and technical support to assist investigators in their inquiries.

Earlier this year NSW Police Force detectives recovered a firearm linked to the murder of Mr Smith, which underwent forensic and ballistic examination. Subsequently, detectives arrested a 31 year old man in Wellington on Wednesday 27 October 2021.

Strike Force detectives also executed a crime scene warrant at a nearby property, where they seized electronics and other items of interest. The man was later charged with murder.

Investigations under Strike Force Libani continue.