Police Recover Body Linked to Valentine’s Day Murder of Lisa Smith
A body has been recovered from the River Thames during the search for Kent pub shooting suspect Edvard Smith, who was believed to have fallen into the water on the night of the attack.
Lisa Smith, 43, was shot and killed outside The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt on Friday, February 14.
Later that evening, police discovered Smith’s abandoned car and a handgun on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford, approximately 17 miles from the crime scene. A man matching his description was also spotted on the wrong side of the barrier before disappearing.
A woman in her 40s has died after a shooting at the Three Horseshoes in the village of Knockholt in Kent on Valentine’s Day evening.
Police searching for the killer have found a vehicle containing a gun on the M25 bridge which crosses the Thames at Dartford. It is believed the… pic.twitter.com/KxMHjkTOiy
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) February 15, 2025
Body Discovered in River Thames
Kent Police confirmed that at 3:45pm on Friday, March 7, a body was recovered from the Thames near Rainham, Essex.
Although formal identification is yet to take place, the suspect’s family has been informed of the discovery.
Police Confirm No Prior Contact Between Victim and Authorities
Lisa Smith, from Slough, was known to her suspected killer, but police confirmed that there had been no previous reports of concern involving either party.
Witnesses Describe ‘Shock and Commotion’
Michelle Thomas, landlady of The Three Horseshoes, recalled the terrifying moments when gunshots rang out outside the pub.
“I thought they were fireworks,” she told Sky News.
“There was so much commotion – screaming, shouting, crying. The whole community is in absolute shock.”
She noted that Lisa Smith had visited the pub before, though she was not a regular.
At the time of the 7pm shooting, around 30 people were having dinner, while 20 others were inside the bar.
Official Police Statement
Kent Police issued the following statement:
“A body has been recovered by police from the River Thames, which is being linked to a murder investigation in Knockholt.”
“On Friday 14 February 2025, Lisa Smith, 43, was killed after she was shot outside a pub in Main Road. The suspect was known to Lisa and later that evening officers found his car abandoned on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Enquiries established he had fallen into the water below.”
“At around 3.45pm on Friday 7 March, a body was located near Rainham, Essex. Formal identification has not yet taken place; however, the man’s family have been informed.”
Investigation Nears Conclusion
With the suspected shooter believed dead, the investigation into Lisa Smith’s tragic murder appears to be coming to a close.
Authorities are expected to formally identify the body in the coming days and provide further updates.
