Heartbroken parents want answers after their son's tragic death in the backyard

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The family of a man found dead in the backyard of his home on Lindsay Street in Lynchburg wants answers. They are beyond heartbroken and believe someone killed him.

Timmell Smith died at just 25 years old. His parents said that was too young and that it was hard to believe that he was actually dead. Catherine Brown, Timmell Smith's mother, said: “I still feel like I'm in a nightmare, like I'm in a fog. But like he’s really gone.”

With tears streaming down his face, Timmell's father, Timothy Smith, said he had lost his “best friend.” They said he worked as a grill cook at Liberty University.

“He didn’t want anyone to be sad or upset,” Brown said. He loved to cook, make people laugh and dance.

Police responded to Lindsay Street at 3 o'clock on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 29th.

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Timothy had found his son dead in their backyard, with a pillow and a gunshot wound to the chest. “I walked around the house and saw him lying there. I ran over, checked his heartbeat and it was already rigor mortis.”

According to the warrants, Timothy found his own gun between his son and a pillow. Timothy put the gun in his pocket and then handed it to the officers on scene.

The warrants also said Timmell never suffered from mental illness and that police interviewed a woman who was the last known person to see him. They said she admitted to getting into a fight.

His death is something his parents don't want to think about. “I still can’t sleep,” Timothy said. The family said they want answers and justice.

When asked if Timmell would leave her behind willingly, Brown replied, “No, absolutely not,” and Timothy replied, “No, that’s what I mean. My son had too much to live to take his own life.”

His death is listed as a homicide on the search warrant. Lynchburg police said they are currently investigating. They said it might or might not be criminal in nature; They are waiting for the coroner's report to decide how to proceed.

Police and the family are asking anyone with details of this matter to come forward.