By james art CANTON, N.Y. (WWNY) – Adam Smith’s double murder trial continues Thursday in St. Lawrence County Court with more witnesses to take the stand.
Smith is accused of murdering 72-year-old Ronald “Huck” Durham. Durham was murdered in the town of Gouverneur on February 11, 2023. His body was found in East Riverside Cemetery.
Smith is also believed to have killed 67-year-old William Freeman. Freeman was found dead on March 2, 2023, at his home at 258 County Route 10 in Rossi Township.
The first person to testify Thursday was one of the last people to see Ronald “Huck” Durham alive.
Shortly before 4 a.m. on February 11, 2023, Durham drove Eric Fischer to Gouverneur Stewart’s store to pick up his coffee and cigarettes. Durham was down and Fischer would help him with the errands. Jurors were shown surveillance video.
Fisher said that after they left the gas station, Durham dropped him off at his home in Gouverneur, which was the last time Fisher said he saw Durham.
Fischer testified that later that morning, Durham’s daughter called him threatening him because he was one of the last people to see Durham alive.
Fischer also testified that he knew Freddie Wing, the man who was originally charged with Durham’s murder after he made a false confession. Fischer testified that Durham and Wing argued about money.
Fischer says that during the investigation he was questioned and provided his DNA, his clothing and other items, including two knives.
The second witness was Heather Dixon, general manager of Stewart’s store at the time.
Video from a surveillance camera outside the store showed Durham’s car turning onto Depot Street around 4:14 a.m. Dixon testified that the road may lead to the cemetery. She said he usually goes there to visit his wife’s grave after getting his coffee.
Around 4:36 a.m., Adam Smith is shown on security video entering Stewart’s and using the restroom before leaving and returning minutes later. Dixon testified that she and Smith did not speak and he did not appear nervous.
Testimony continues Thursday afternoon.
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