Family of slain New Ken delivery driver frustrated with lack of answers

Jeanne Smith said her family is frustrated that New Kensington police have no updates in the shooting death of her brother-in-law, newspaper delivery driver Gregory Lee Smith.

But they’re happy police haven’t given up on the case.

“I just wish they would find out what happened,” Jeanne Smith told the Tribune-Review this week.

It’s been two weeks since Gregory Smith, 69, of New Kensington was shot and killed while out on his route delivering the Tribune-Review early May 23. He had been shot in the head. His death was ruled a homicide.

New Kensington police Chief Bob Deringer said investigators continue to canvass the shooting scene for information that could help them in the case, including potential witnesses and video footage.

“They’re going out every day trying to gather more information,” he said.

Investigators have been able to review surveillance footage from the area, but none have shown the shooting scene. Police believe Smith was shot at the intersection of Catalpa Street and Kenneth Avenue. His car continued south and crashed into a fence in the 1200 block of Kenneth Avenue.

“There is nothing showing the scene. Nothing,” Deringer said.

Trib Total Media is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone in Smith’s death. An Army veteran, Smith started delivering the Tribune-Review on May 15 as an independent contractor.

Deringer said this week that no one has come forward with information since the reward was announced. He said it’s been difficult to track down witnesses because the shooting happened early in the morning.

“I feel it’s probably going to take a while before information starts to filter out,” he said. “I’m still hopeful that somebody out there, whether it’s because of the reward or not, comes forward and provides us with the break we need.”

Smith had been alone in his car. When police found him, he was unconscious and bleeding from a head wound. He died at the scene.