DeSoto Man Found Guilty of 2018 Longview Murder

Rodrick Elliot convicted of killing 51-year-old Sandy Smith in cold blood

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A DeSoto man named Rodrick Elliot has been found guilty of murdering 51-year-old Sandy Smith in Longview, Texas in May 2018. Neighbors described a suspicious man to police, leading to Elliot's arrest and conviction for the crime.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of violent crime in the Longview area and the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to help solve such heinous acts.

The details

In May 2018, Longview police were called to East Grant Street where they found Sandy Smith dead. Neighbors described a suspicious man to police, and Rodrick Elliot was soon connected to the crime and charged with Smith's murder. The Gregg County Criminal District Attorney's Office stated that Elliot is 'the epitome of evil who killed the victim in cold blood for absolutely no reason.'

  • In May 2018, Longview police were called to East Grant Street where they found Sandy Smith dead.

The players

Rodrick Elliot

A DeSoto man who was found guilty of murdering 51-year-old Sandy Smith in Longview, Texas in 2018.

Sandy Smith

A 51-year-old Longview resident who was murdered in May 2018.

Gregg County Criminal District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial office that represented the state in the case against Rodrick Elliot.

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What they’re saying

“Elliot is 'the epitome of evil who killed the victim in cold blood for absolutely no reason.'”

— Gregg County Criminal District Attorney's Office (ketk.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine Elliot's sentencing in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This tragic murder case underscores the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation to address violent crime in the Longview area and bring perpetrators to justice.