# 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.
- Title: Man sentenced after beating 'borderline genius' victim to…
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: billy buford, douglas smitherman, oklahoma city, oklahoma county, manslaughter, 2x4, car wash, borderline genius, crime, news, Man, sentenced
- Source: Law & Crime — https://lawandcrime.com/crime/man-sentenced-after-beating-borderline-genius-victim-to-death-with-2x4-at-car-wash
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: billy buford, douglas smitherman, oklahoma city, oklahoma county, manslaughter, 2x4, car wash, borderline genius, crime, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.