On February 27th 2021, my grandfather, Randall Neil Smith, was murdered in our home by Duane Allen Black, who was staying with us at the time, along with his girlfriend and infant son. My papa, Randy, was more like a dad to me than anything. My daughter and I were living with him, he helped raise me and my brother, and he was always there for me no matter what. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, dad, and papa. He would give the shirt off of his back. He constantly went out of his way to make sure his loved ones had everything they needed. From taking care of his parents, to bringing our elderly neighbor food on holidays, he was always making sure those around him were taken care of. My papa was not only my favorite person, but my daughter's as well. they were the best of friends, and she was always attached to his hip.

Today, February 3rd 2022, Duane Allen Black was finally arraigned and pled not guilty to all charges. I am creating this petition to demand that Duane Black is not offered any plea deals, as his actions have greatly affected my whole family. I believe showing him mercy in sentencing will put my family at risk of retribution and increase the trauma and turmoil inflicted on us. If Duane Allen Black does not face the maximum allowable legal consequence for his actions, it is likely he will be emboldened to murder again. No family should ever have to endure the life sentence of anguish Duane Allen Black inflicted on 5 generations of my family. My papa was a very giving man. He allowed someone who was supposed to be my friend, who had stayed before with no issues, and her family to stay in our home for what was supposed to be a short time while they figured out other arrangements. My papa gave them frequent rides, paid to keep their car from being impounded when it broke down, and allowed them use of our spare room to care for their baby, even when the overstay of their welcome began to negatively impact our household. The only thing he asked in return was to clean up after themselves and slowly pay him back as able. Duane Allen Black not only took advantage of my family, but he ruined it. He robbed my daughter of her best friend, he robbed my papa's 3 kids of their dad, he robbed my great grandma of her son and helper, he robbed my mema and me of the safety we felt in our home, and he robbed my papa of his life, his family, his retirement, and his opportunity to meet his 2 new great grandchildren. There are 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren that are missing out on a lifetime of swimming trips, movie nights, ice cream trips, and so many more great memories with our papa. My grandma's life has already been torn apart and her future with my papa erased. She should be able to live the rest of her life without fear of Duane Allen Black. When the time came for Duane Black and his family to move on to different arrangements, he chose to murder my papa and destroy my family, as well as his own. The only option that Duane Black should now be faced with is to serve no less than the maximum allowable sentence for murdering my papa.

Please feel free to contact Cowlitz County Prosecutor, Eric Bentson, directly to demand no plea deals for Duane Black. Case#21-1-00254-08.
email: bentsone@co.cowlitz.wa.us
phone: (360)577-3080
fax: (360)414-9121
Thank you.