Kentucky Man Convicted of Murdering Former Common-Law Wife

Fairley Napier told his daughter he killed Joanie Campbell-Smith because 'he had gotten tired of seeing her'.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a mattock, a sharp tool used to loosen soil, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violent nature of this crime.A grim reminder of the violence that can occur when domestic disputes escalate, this stark image of a crime scene tool evokes the tragic circumstances behind this murder case.Jackson Today

Fairley Napier, 49, was found guilty by a jury of murdering his former common-law wife, Joanie Campbell-Smith, 45, in January 2024. Campbell-Smith's charred remains were found two days after she went missing inside a burned vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle she was known to drive. Napier testified that he and Campbell-Smith met at a Jiffy Mart before going to another parking lot, where he claimed she asked him to break a window in her vehicle. However, prosecutors presented evidence that Napier shot Campbell-Smith at the second location, dismembered and mutilated her body, and then set the vehicle on fire. Napier later confessed to killing Campbell-Smith to a friend and his daughter, saying 'he had gotten tired of seeing her lying in the log yard and looking at her.'

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing issues of jealousy, control, and possessiveness in relationships. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in responding to missing persons cases and the need for better support and resources for victims of domestic abuse.

The details

According to the court testimony, Napier and Campbell-Smith were in an on-again, off-again relationship from 1994 to 2022. Napier testified that he and Campbell-Smith met at a Jiffy Mart before going to another parking lot, where he claimed she asked him to break a window in her vehicle. However, prosecutors presented evidence that Napier shot Campbell-Smith at the second location, dismembered and mutilated her body with a mattock, and then set the vehicle on fire. Napier later confessed to killing Campbell-Smith to a friend and his daughter, saying 'he had gotten tired of seeing her lying in the log yard and looking at her.'

  • Campbell-Smith was reported missing on Jan. 4, 2024.
  • Campbell-Smith's charred remains were found two days later inside a burned vehicle.
  • Napier turned himself in to police on Jan. 7, 2024.
  • Napier was found guilty by a jury on April 1, 2026.
  • The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 8, 2026.

The players

Fairley Napier

A 49-year-old Kentucky man who was convicted of murdering his former common-law wife, Joanie Campbell-Smith.

Joanie Campbell-Smith

A 45-year-old woman who was the former common-law wife of Fairley Napier and the mother of his two children.

Miranda King

The Commonwealth's Attorney General who prosecuted the case against Fairley Napier.

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What they’re saying

“he had gotten tired of seeing her lying in the log yard and looking at her.”

— Fairley Napier

What’s next

The sentencing hearing for Fairley Napier is scheduled for May 8, 2026, where he will receive his final sentence.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for better support and resources for victims of domestic violence, as well as the importance of addressing issues of jealousy, control, and possessiveness in relationships. It also underscores the critical role of law enforcement in responding to missing persons cases and the need for improved coordination and communication to prevent such horrific outcomes.