A Cobb County jury has found Robert Colt Smith, 32, guilty of two counts of felony murder and first-degree arson. The charges relate to a house fire that resulted in the deaths of Andrea Nall, 52, and Michelle Lacroix, 74. Smith was also convicted of aggravated battery and aggravated assault for attacking Nall's daughter.
Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill sentenced Smith to two life terms plus an additional 20 years in prison.
“This case is a tragic reminder of how domestic violence can escalate to devastating consequences,” stated District Attorney Sonya F. Allen. “Thanks to the hard work of our prosecutors and law enforcement, justice has been served, and this defendant will never harm another person again.”
On February 14, 2022, Smith attacked his then-girlfriend Carolyn Parmalee, aged 19 at the time. He was arrested but released on bond with a no-contact order which he violated by persuading Parmalee to continue their relationship.
Parmalee suffered further assaults leading to her hospitalization multiple times over the following year. Her mother attempted to have Smith’s bond revoked after these incidents.
On March 12, 2023, Smith set fire to a vehicle outside Parmalee's home using spray paint as an accelerant. The fire spread from the carport to the house where Nall and Lacroix were inside along with eight pets; all died from smoke inhalation.
“This community was robbed of two amazing women who opened their home as a refuge,” said Senior Assistant District Attorney Jared Horowitz. “These two mothers did what any parent would—protect their children from an abuser. But this defendant used fire to seek revenge."
District Attorney Allen acknowledged the efforts of local police and emergency services alongside federal agencies in bringing Smith to justice.