(Hernando County, FL) Last week, jurors delivered their verdict in a 2020 attempted murder case. After a few hours of deliberation, jurors found 51-year-old Galvin Bernard Smith, a multi-time convicted felon, guilty of Attempted First-Degree Murder with a Firearm. Smith will be sentenced at a later time, as the court ordered a presentencing investigation to be conducted.

“This conviction is the result of years of work to hold the defendant accountable for a violent act that could have taken a life. Our office will continue to pursue justice for victims and ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice for their actions,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

The case against Smith stems from an incident on June 21, 2020, when law enforcement with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a reported shooting off Lincoln Road in Brooksville. Responding deputies arrived at a residence where they were able to locate the victim with multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Despite the injuries, the victim was still conscious and able to relay vital information to authorities.

The victim indicated that Galvin Smith, who was known to the victim, arrived at the victim’s home. The victim then stated that they became involved in a verbal argument. During the argument, the victim informed detectives that Smith pulled out a handgun and attempted to shoot directly at them, but the gun jammed. When the gun didn’t fire, the victim turned around to run while the defendant unjammed the gun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim. After the shooting, the defendant fled the scene in a rented Maserati car.

Authorities collected the victim’s statement before the victim was airlifted for medical treatment. On scene, officials collected various pieces of evidence, including spent shell casings. Deputies then began patrolling for the getaway vehicle. A short time later, officials conducted a traffic stop on the Maserati car. The sole driver, later identified as 59-year-old Kathy Redding (now Smith), claimed she had the vehicle all morning and just went to get coffee.

Investigators later located the defendant for questioning. Smith denied all allegations despite the victim identifying the defendant and the Maserati car he was driving.  Forensics personnel lifted fingerprints from the vehicle that matched the defendant. Using cellular evidence, detectives determined that defendant Smith contacted Redding to exchange vehicles after the crime. GPS data from the car showed it stopped on a bridge after leaving the crime scene, before the vehicle was swapped. Dive team members searched the river and located a firearm that testing later confirmed was used during the crime.

Based on the victim’s statement and evidence collected, Smith was arrested and charged. Subsequently, Redding was arrested and charged with Accessory after the fact.

Assistant State Attorney Lori Ellingsworth successfully prosecuted this case. Thank you to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Forensics Professionals, and the Dive Team for their diligent work in this case.

Published on 10/07/2026.