From Law & Crime · · 2m
Man sentenced after beating 'borderline genius' victim to death with 2x4 at car wash
Oklahoma man gets life sentence after beating 'borderline genius' victim to death with 2x4 at car wash.
In brief
Oklahoma man gets life sentence after beating 'borderline genius' victim to death with 2x4 at car wash. Oklahoma man Billy Buford was sentenced to life in prison with 16 years suspended after beating 48-year-old Douglas Smitherman to death with a 2x4 at a car wash in Oklahoma City. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Man sentenced after beating 'borderline genius' victim to death with 2x4 at car wash
Oklahoma man Billy Buford will spend significant time behind bars after beating 48-year-old Douglas Smitherman to death with a 2x4 at a car wash.
Plea and sentencing details
Buford pleaded guilty to manslaughter in May 2025 and was sentenced to life in prison with 16 years suspended.
Incident location and date
The attack occurred at An-Son Car Wash on NW 122nd Street in Oklahoma City on May 2, 2025.
Initial police response
Police responded to the car wash after a dead body was found, but no arrests were made initially.
Victim's background
Douglas Smitherman was known as 'DougE Fresh' and had a 4.0 GPA despite missing senior year.
Victim's professional life
Smitherman was a certified personal trainer and registered nurse who worked at McAlester Regional Hospital.
Victim's family perspective
His mother described him as a 'borderline genius' who was a good dresser and loved by patients.
Victim's recent move
Smitherman had recently moved back to Oklahoma City to start a new life after feeling he couldn't make it in McAlester.
Motive and prior conflict
Authorities said the two men had fought and thrown bricks at each other before Smitherman's death.
Sentence details
Buford's plea was entered blind on the lesser manslaughter charge, with the sentence not agreed upon at the time.
Presentencing investigation
A presentencing investigation concluded recently before Buford's sentencing.
Victim's obituary highlights
Smitherman graduated from McAlester High School in 1995 with a 4.0 GPA and worked as a nurse for two years.
Victim's impact on patients
Smitherman was known as a great nurse who genuinely cared for his patients.
Investigative findings
Investigators determined Buford repeatedly beat Smitherman in the head with a 2x4 at the car wash.
Consequence
Buford will spend the rest of his life in prison after the 16-year suspension of his sentence.
The essence
Oklahoma man Billy Buford was sentenced to life in prison with 16 years suspended after beating 48-year-old Douglas Smitherman to death with a 2x4 at a car wash in Oklahoma City.
